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AUTHOR 


ISOCRATES 


TITLE: 


ORATIONS  AND 
EPISTLES  OF  ... 

PLA  CE : 

LONDON 

DA  TE : 

1752 


Restrictions  on  Use: 


COLUNfBIA  UNIVERSITY  LIBl^ARIES 

PRESER\^A-1-IC)N  DEl'A  RTIv.  ENT 

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Works  Eng.   Dios 

Isoorates*  '  ---^^r 

The  Orations  and  Epistles  of  Isoeratest  tr«  •-* 

from  the  Greek  by  Mr.  Josiiuh  Dinsdale,  and  rev,  by 
the  Rev,  Mr*  Young  ...   Londcii,  Waller,  1752« 

437   p,        20    om. 


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PREFACE. 

IF  1 R  s  T  entertdned  the  thought  of  tranf- 
lating  this  author's  remains,  becaufe  I  be- 
lieved his  writings  the  propereft  of  any 
orator's  for  the  inftrudlion  of  youth. 
There  is  a  candour^  lenity,  and  magnanimity 
evcry^wTiefevifible  in Jhis  orations  which  are 

left" "lis;    He^' mculoites  virtue  in  the  fimpleft 
and  fublimeft  mannei:,  by  th?  deareft  precepts, 
and  nobleft  examples.    In  fine,  the  orator  and 
philofopher  feem  Jp  rival  each  .other  in  his 
works.     Patriotifm  and  philanthropy  fhine  in 
their  brighteft  blaze ;  and  if  it  was  poflible, 
T)y  exhortation,  to  recover  a  depraved,  finking 
people  from  ruin  to  virtue  and  courage,  his 
magnanimous,   moral  eloquence  would  have 
""Hone  it;  but  to  efFed:  fuch  a  wonderful  change, 
~a~generous-minded  king,  or  an  united  people, 
Inuft,  with  a  noble  ardor,  ftir  up  all  to  the 
purfuit  of  what  is  laudable.     The  body  poli- 
tic alone  can  preferve  alive  languifhing  popu- 
lar virtue  :  all  muft  awaken  from  the  lethargy 

A  2  of 


^j  o  P  '"  Q 


^\ 


^*^   R    E    F    A   C   E. 

of  avarice  and  voluptuoufnefs  to  recover  a  coun- 
try's happliiefs  and  glory:^'  In  a  word,  there 
ji^iift  be  a  nationaLkipir^iiQn  of  the  love  of 
Virtue  and  all  true  learning.  However,  our 
author  has  aimed  nobly,  as^  a  'private  perfon, 

Jto  attain 'The  gWious  ei^d.  What  a  4iftin- 
^uiihed  love  of'liis  counfry,  and  theinterefls 
orvtrfae7'is  there  throughout  his  works  J    To 

"  pralfe  him  a^  I  ought,  I  mi]^ft  repeat  all  their 
biafftTef :  he  is  his  own  be  ft  paintef. 

All  Will  agree  who  think  rationally,  that 
eloquence  ihould  be  founded  on  folid  reafons, 
and  inflamed  with  a  noble  zeal  for  virtue. 
Thefe  qualities  feem  to  have  been  the  claim  of 
few  popular  fpeakers.   Perhaps  there  is  a  more 
evident  love  of  virtue  and  phiiofophy  in  this 
author,  than  either   Demofthenes  or  Cicero. 
His  courage,  tho*  calm  and  fedate,  feems  more 
refolute;^  and  he  certain! j^  effedcd  more  in  a 
rcSred  way,  ly ^hiV  cxlTortations  to  Philip  of 
Macedon,  towards  the  deftrudion  of  the  Per- 
iian  t)Tanny,  than  all  the  Athenian  haranguers, 
who  were  all,  in  a  degree,  fubjed  to  bribery. 
Read  his  writings,  and  you  perceive  with  what 
flame  of  foul  he  exqtes  his  countrymen  to  op- 
pofe  the  Barbarians ;  "how  ft'e  endeavours  to  re- 
idndlejtheir  ardor  for  giory,  and  not  only  make 

them  emuTSe  thHr^  neighbours  Tirtues,   but 

--■•--•>-•  -  ■     . 

furpafs 


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P^  R   jB  P  A   C  E. 

furpafs  them !  You  will  fee  him  exhort  them  to 
union;  roiife  them  u£  to  aflift  their  friends  \  to 
ffudy  tKe^arts  of  war  as  well  as  peace;  to  call 
forth  all  their  natural  excellence,  remember 
their  anceftors  power  and  glory,  and  not  be  a 
dilgrace  to  j^^  inheritance7  Imt 

renBeTthe  name  ot  Greece  as  much  feared 
and  refpefted  as  it  formerly  was,  after  the  de- 
fKt  of  all  the  T?^^^  he  tells 

them,  nothing  but  lieroic  virtur^n'effea:.  You 
^^%  %i  ?^^*  be  pui?Iic-fpirited,  lovgrs  of  true 
glory,  of  generofity  to  your  fellow-citizens^  of 
magnificence,  of  hofpitality,  and  poflefs  all  the 
virtues  of  your  ancellors^  who  have  purchafed 
immortal  glory  in  all  hiftories.  Self-intereftcd- 
nefs  or  cowardice,  never  gained  true  glory, 

.?".^"J9y^^  ^^y  IP"g  time  reputation  and 
liberty.  It  is  not  due  but  to  heroic  philan- 
thropy: fuch  v^as  that' of  Codrus,  of  Miltia- 
des,  of  LebnidaCbf  ^hemlftocles,  of  Conon. 
and  all  the  heroes  of  antiquity. 

^A£  for  his  ftile,  all  is  fmpoth,  all  harmo- 
nious m  IJocrateV-'  there  are  no  harfh  elifions, 
or  meeting  of  rough  confonants;  and  he  ftudies 
mufic  and  fweetnefs  fo  much,  that  there  fome- 
times  feems  a  kind  of  langour  in  his  periods, 
reprefenting  the  converfation  of  tender  lovers. 


As 


"^   R   E   F   A   C^ 

* 

As  for  the  tranflation,  let  the  reader  accept 
this  apology,  that  I  neither  defigned  it  too  lite- 
ral or  paraphraftical.  A  tranflation  fhould  be 
animated,  which  it  cannot  be  without  free- 
dom :  you  otherwife  have  but  the  dead  fpirit 
of  an  author,  efpecially  if  a  claffic.  What  a 
pitiful  appearance  does  Virgil  or  Horace  make 
in  flat,  unfigurative  profe  ?  And  the  ftme  may 
be  faid,  if  I  miftake  not,  of  all  too  clofe  tranf- 
lations.  A  literal  tranflation  is  all  that  is  ex- 
peded  from  a  raw,  unexperienced  fchool-boy  > 
but  is  that  the  true  fenfe  of  a  polite  author  ? 
So  far  from  it,  that  it  is  a  mere  travefl:ie.  I 
therefore  have  endeavoured  to  obferve  a  me- 
dium ;  but  the  reader,  who  has  fufficient  ex- 
perience of  the  Greek,  mufl:  decide  of  the  per- 
formance. 

Let  me  fubjoin  the  character  of  our  orator 
drawn  by  Cicero  and  Dionyfius  Halicarnaflfeus, 
and  I  fliall  conclude  this  preface. 

Cicero  in  Eruto. 

**  After  tliefe  appeared  liberates,  whofe 
"  houfe  was,  as  it  were,  the  public  fchool  of 
''  all  Greece,  and  the  feat  of  eloquence,  lie 
^*  was  a  great  orator,  and  per  fed  teacher,  tho' 
'*  he  fought  not  the  glory  of  the  b;ir,  but  gain- 

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PREFACE. 

ed  that  fame  within  his  own  houfe,  which, 
in  my  opinion,  none  of  thofe  who  followed 
him,  could  arrive  at.  He  compofed  many 
noble  orations,  and  both  excelled  the  anci- 
ents in  other  refpecls,  aM'  in  this  j3artku- 
larly,  that  he  firfl:  remarked,  that  even  in 
profe,  (tho' verfification  fliould  be  avoided) 
there  fliould  be.obferyed  numbers  and  har- 
mony.  .  If  this  happened  in  the  writings  of 
any  before  him,  it  happened  by  chance,  and 
not  by  art,  defign,  or  regular  method."  /* 


fv    ntirr^  f- 


"DiontsiiHalica  r  n  4  as  ii  iudicium  dc 

Isocra^tj:. 


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"  IsocRATEs  deferves'  difl:inguiihed  pr^ife 
for  his  noble  orations,  and  particularly  for 
the  grandeur,  beauty,  and  fublimity  of  the 
fubj  edls .  They  .are  not  only  capable  of  im- 
proving others  in  eloauence,  but  of  quali- 
Jyingjthem^  by  the  moft  yirtuQus^^^^^ 
to  govern  v^ell  a  private  family,  or  a  king- 
dom. ^  I  repeat  it,  the  moflxkmQiiSXules  of 
life  are  found  in  Ifocrates  j  and,  in  my  opi- 
nion,  if  any  would  embrace  that  true  philo- 
fophy,  which  confifl:s  not  in  fpeculation 
only,  but  in  fuitable  adions ;  nor  confines 
felicity  to  itfelf,  I  would  counfel  fuch  a  one, 

^'  never 


II 


\ 


PREFACE. 

"  never  to  omit  a  day  without  ftudying  this 
^*  philofophic  orator/' 

A  s  for  the  particulars  of  his  life,  they  are 
but  few  and  common,  as  is  ufual  in  fefped:  of 
men  of  literature  5  cxclufive  of  this,  that  he 
was  more  intimate  with  all  the  great  men  of 
his  time,  than,  perhaps^  any  dth^riearned  man 
^  philofopher,  and  enjoyed  the  pleafure  of 
^ory,  ftu4y>  and  books^^jo^jn  extreme  old 

"age..  ^     ,:.r; 

I  M  u  s  T  now  acknowledge  the  kind  aflift- 
ance  I  have  had  from  a  very  learned,  ingeni- 
ous gentleman,  in  feveral  difficult  and  obfcure 
vaxt^  ef  this  author* 


•-r    «.*   -  *•    > 


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THE    FIRST 

ORATION 

O  F 

ISOCRATES: 

T  O 

DEMONICUS. 


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B^m^^'Bmm^mm^mmimm^m&% 


The     SUBJECT. 

n^HE  defgn  of  this  oration  is  to  perfuade  all 
•^  noble  youths  to  love  and  prakife  exalted 
virtues ;  that  they  may  pafs  their  lives  not  only 
with  fatisfaSf ion  andpleafiire^  but  alfo  with  ho- 
7iour  and  glory  :  wherefore  thefe  delightful  and 
ufefid  precepts  ought  to  be  flu  died  by  all  youthful 
ingenuous  minds ^  as  the  foUdbafs  of  reputation 
CJid  a  happy  life-,  for  nc?2e  can  ever  repent 
t he mf elves  of  fuch  an  application.  Eloquence 
^nd  philofophy^  perhaps^  were  never  more  ad^ 
vantageoifly  iimted  than  in  this  celebrated  au^ 
thors  writings. 


/ 


M 


is] 


THE    FIRST 


Oration  oFIsocrates. 


T  o 


DEMONICUS. 


[HERE  is  a  great  difFeience  In  the  fentiments 
of  the  good  and  bad,  in  regard  to  the  oeco- 
nomy  of  life ;  but  in  nothing  more  than  in 
that  which  regards  friendfliip.  The  bad  fhew 
kindnefs  to  their  friends  only  when  prefent ; 
but  the  good  love  them,  though  abfent.  A  little  time  will 
put  an  end  to  the  pretended  friepdfhips  of  the  former  ;  but 
the  friendfhips  of  the  latter  continue  and  fhine  through  life. 
I  therefore,  out  of  convi£lion  that  noble  minds,  which  are 
defirous  of  immortal  glory,  ought  to  imitate,  not. the  ex- 
amples of  the  bad,  but  the  patterns  of  heroic  virtue,  fend 
you  this  eflay,  as  a  proof  of  my  friendfliip,  and,  at  the 
fame  time,  of  my  gratitude,  to  Hipponicus,  your  generous 
father ;  for  heirs  have  a  right  not  only  to  their  fathers  eftates, 

B  2  but 


]>-^ 


/ 


1    u 


4  The    ORATIONS 

but  to  their  frientllhlps  *.  Fortune,  and  the  circumflance 
of  time,  favour  my  intention  ;  for  you  admire  learning, 
and  I  make  profcflion  of  inflru6ling  others:  in  a  word, 
you  fludy  philofophy,  and  I  direcSl  others  in  it.  Thofe 
who  write  the  rules  of  eloquence,  and  exhort  to  induftry, 
and  the  acquifition  of  knowledge,  do  a  noble  adion,  yet 
reach  not  the  perfection  of  philofophy  :  but  thofe  who  in- 
form youth,  not  of  the  methods  only  of  attaining  eloquence, 
and  poliihing  their  reafon,  but  likewifc  of  cultivating  their 
manners, ■  and  acquiring  real  virtue,  devote  their  labours 
to  much  more  glorious  purpofcs,  in  the  fame  proportion  as 
it  is  more  excellent  to  be  a  good  and  wife  man,  than  learned 
and  eloquent.  Wherefore,  omitting  pcrfuafion,  and  only 
laying  down  the  folid  precepts  of  life,  I  defign  to  fhew  you 
what  youth  ought  to  emulate  and  praclifc,  and  what  to  dc- 
fpife  and  avoid  ;  what  company  they  ought  to  chufe,  and 
how  to  diredl  the  whole  courfe  of  tlieir  lives:  for  they  alone, 
who  have  been  careful  of  obferving  fuch  rules  from  theiirli; 
dawn  of  reafon,  have  attained  the  highcR:  point  of  human 
glory  and  virtue,  which  is  a  felicity  above  all  other  happi- 
nefs  that  mortals  can  aim  at.  A  fhortjiime  deftroys  beauty, 
or  ficknefs  withers  it :  riches  are  rather  the  inflruments  of 
vice,  than  the  friends  of  virtue,  as  they  give  loofe  reins  to 
luxury,  and  precipitate  youth  into  fliamcful  pleafures,  and 
irretrievable  difhonour.  Great  ftrejigth  has,  indeed,  with 
prudence,  benetited  the  pofleflbrs ;  but,  without  it,  has 
often  been  their  total  ruin  ;  has  invigorated  the  body,  but 
darkened  and  enfavaged  the  mind.  It  is  virtue  alone,  which, 
if  once  not  only  rooted,  but  brought  to  perfedion  in  the 

*  This  is  a  noble  philofophic  fentiment,  and  worthy  of  our 
author.  It  Ihews,  that  children  ought  to  emulate  particularly 
their  parents  virtues,  and  defer  to  their  judgment  in  the  choice 
of  their  friends.  Who  Demonicus  was,  is  not  clearly  known  i 
but  he  muft  have  been  a  perfon  of  great  diftindion. 

inind> 


I 
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oflSOCRATES.  s 

jnlnd,  bears  the  fruit  of  glory  in  old  age  f.     It  is  more  pro- 
litable  than  riches,  and  more  excellent  than  nobility;  mak- 
incr  v/hat  is  impoffiblc  to  others  natural  and  eafy  to  its 
pofieflbrs ;  filling  them  with  generous,  exalted  fentiments, 
and  refining  their  minds  to  the  laft  degree  of  excellence  and 
glory,     wliat  alarms  and  terrifies  others,  it  meets  with 
fntrepidity  and  courage,  and  judges  cowardice  and  mean- 
fpiritednefs  infamy  and  difgrace;  but  labour  and  courage, 
immortal  merit  and  reputation.     An  heroic  example  of  this 
is  the  life  of  Hercules  and  Thefeus,  the  glory  of  whofe 
actions  have  confccrated  them  to  eternal  fame;  for  all  fu- 
.ture  duration  will  not  be  able  to  obfcure  the  brightnefs  of 
their  magnanimity  and  virtues.    But  you,  by  reflecting  only 
on  your'^father's  excellencies,  have  a  noble  pattern  of  my 
doarine  ;  for  he  had  an  exalted  idea  of  virtue,  and  did  not 
judge  his  nature  unworthy  of  gloiy  :  he  perfeded  his  bodily 
qualities  by  temperance  and  exeicife,  and  his  mind  by  ftudy 
and  virtue :  his  courage  was  confummate  :  he  loved  not 
riches  immoderately ;  but,  with  a  noble  and  generous  ceco- 
nomy,  enjoyed  his  affluence  as  a  mortal;  but,  with  pru- 
dence, avoided  profufion,  as  if  he  was  to  be  immortal.  Nor 
did  he  live  with  fuch  parfimony  as  to  betray  an  exceflive  love 
or  admiration  of  riches;  but  was  a  lover,  in  his  houfe,  of 
fplendor  and  magnificence,  and  bountiful  to  all  his  friends^ 
but  efpecially  thofe  of  merit,  who  needed  it  moft.    He  was 
not  like  fome  weak  perlbns,  who  yield  to  importunity,  and 
ne<^led  modeft  merit ;  and  he  valued  thofe  who  loved  him, 
and  imitated  his  virtues,  rather  than  fuch  as  were  related  to 
him  by  blood ;  for  he  judged,  that  nature  ought  to  have  a 
greater  fhare  in  our  friendlhips  than  law ;  and  that  a  fimi- 
litude  of  manners  was  a  clofer  connexion  than  that  of 
blood ;  and  choice,  a  ftronger  tie  than  that  of  nature.    The 
whole  time  would  be  fpent,  did  I  enumerate  all  his  virtues 

f  This  encomium  of  virtue  muft  be  allowed  juft  by  every 
reafonable  man ;  for,  if  there  be  an  excellency  in  human  nature, 
it  is  evident,  by  the  effeds,  that  it  is  virtue. 

B  3  3^4 


/ 


// 


6  The    ORATIONS 

and  generous  anions ;  but  I  fhall  more  at  large  do  juflice 
to  them  upon  another  occafion  ;  and  have  only  mentioned 
Hipponicus,  as  an  incentive  to  you  his  fon  in  the  roll  of 
heroic  glory  %  '•  for  you  ought  to  efteem  your  father's  ex* 
ample,  in  good,  the  moft  obligatory  law,  and  be  fired  with 
zeal  to  emulate  his  virtues.  It  is  a  fhame,  that  painters 
fhould  exprefs  the  beauties  of  different  creatures,  and  chil- 
dren not  imitate  their  father's  praife-v/orthy  qualities.  Be- 
lieve me,  it  lefs  becomes  the  Athletes  to  endeavour  to  equal 
their  antagoniils,  than  it  docs  a  fon  to  endeavour  not  to 
fall  fhort  of  his  father's  glory ;  but  this  is  impoflible,  if  youth 
is  not  improved  by  all  the  noble  inflrudions  of  philofophy, 
as  well  as  example.  The  body,  indeed,  is  rendered  ner- 
vous by  labour  and  exercife ;  but  the  foul  by  reafon  and 
good  precepts  :  wherefore  it  is  my  defign  to  lay  down  an 
abridgement  of  fuch  inftruclions,  or  general  rules,  whereby 
you  may  acquire  the- reputation  of  virtue,  and  be  rendered 
glorious  to  pofterity. 

In  the  firft  place,  (hew  your  gratitude  to  heaven,  not 
only  by  facrifices,  but  a  fteady  veracity,  and  facred  obfer- 
vancc  of  all  leagues  and  oaths.  The  firft  fhews,  indeed, 
fplendor  and  gratitude ;  but  the  latter  only  a  truly  noble, 
god-like  mind.  Worfhip  God  fincerely  always  in  your 
heart,  and  publicly  with  your  country ;  for,  by  doino-  fo, 
you  will  have  the  reputation  of  a  religious  man,  and  a  lover 
of  your  native  laws.  Be  fuch  towards  your  parents,  as 
you  would  hope  your  children  fhould  be  towards  you.  Ufe 
exercife  rather  for  health,  than  ftrcngth,  or  beauty.  You 
will  beft  attain  this,  if  you  leave  it  off  before  nature  Is  fa- 
tigued. Love  not  immoderate  laughter,  nor  bold,  injurious 
language :  the  one  is  foolifli,  and  the  other  has  a  fvmptom 
of  madnefs.  Think  it  a  difgrace  to  mention  what  is  immo- 
deft  in  the  adion.     Be  not  aullere  and  gloomy,  but  feicne 

t  A  young  perfon,  who  is  infenfible  to  this  reafoain^,  mul^ 
have  a  corrupt,  low-minded  difpofitioti,  '      "^ 

and 


(^* 


lli/ 


r 


)* 


V\<i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  7 

and  grave :  by  the  firft  behaviour  you  would  be  thought 
proud ;  but,  by  the  latter,  will  be  efteemed  a  man  of  wortli 
and  credit.    Believe  decency  of  drefs,  modefty,  jufticc,  and 
temperance,  the  true  ornaments  of  mankind;  for  in  thefe 
virtues  confifts  the  true  nobility  of  human  nature  *.   Never 
imagine  you  can  conceal  a  bad  adion ;  for,  though  you 
hide  it  from  others,  your  own  confcience  will  condemn 
you.     Be  good,  and  have  your  own  approbation.     Fear 
God,  honour  your  parents,  reverence  your  friends,  obey 
the  laws,  purfue  virtuous  pleafures  :  virtuous  pleafure  is  the 
pureft  fource  of  happincfs  ;  and  vicious  pleafure  a  gulf  of 
infamy  and  difgrace.     Avoid  public  reproaches  and  fufpi- 
cions,  though  they  be  ill-grounded  ;  for  the  generality  of 
men  know  no  criterion  of  truth,  but  are  led  by  popular 
opinion.     Be  perfuaded  that  every  bafe  adion  will  at  laft 
take  air.     You  will  gain  the  moft  lafting  praife,  if  you  arc 
never  known  to  do  what  you  blame  in  others.     What  you 
have  learned,  preferve  frefh  in  your  memory  by  meditation; 
and  what  you  are  ignorant  of,  acquaint  yourfelf  with  by 
the  ftudy  of  arts  and  fciences.     It  is  the  duty  of  every  man 
to  improve  his  knowledge,  will,  and  underftanding.     It  is 
as  <^reat  a  (hame  to  hear  rational,  inftrudlive  difcourfe,  and 
not  be  attentive  to  it,  as  to  rejedl  with  fcorn  a  valuable^ 
gift.     Employ  your  licfure  in  good  company  and  inftruc-  \ 
tion ;  for,  by  this  means,  you  will  make  familiar  to  you  the    j 
noble  and  arduous  inventions  of  others.    Think  philofophy    } 
a.  greater  treafure  than  immenfe  fums  of  gold :  for  gold  is 
apt  to  take  wings,  and  fly  away  ;  but  philofophy  and  virtue  / 
are  unalienable  poflbffions.     Wifdom  is  the  only  immortal 
inheritance.     Look  upon  it  as  no  hardfhip  to  travel  into  a 
foreign  country  to  learn  what  is  conducive  to  heroic  virtue; 

*  This  is  truly  a  Socratic  doarine,  which  Cicero  has  inferted 
in  his  Offices.  The  great  Athenian  philofopher  looked  upon 
man's  confcience,  as  it  were  a  preience-room  of  the  Deity, 
where  every  man  was  forced  to  do  himfelf  juftice  for  his  con- 
cealed crimes. 

B  4  ^or 


5  ■• 


i 


\ 


8  The     ORATIONS 

for  it  Is  a  difgrace  to  human  nature  to  fee  merchants  cro(s 
fuch  vaft  fcas  in  hope  of  gain,  and  young  noblemen  not 
bear  land-travels  for  the  bettering  and  perfecting  their  minds. 
Love  eafy,  free  converfation,  and  be  affable  to  all.     It  is 
the  duty  of  civility  to  fpeak  kindly  to  vifitcrs;  and  the  duty 
of  affability  to  offend  no  one  in  converfation.     Make  your 
manners  and  filence  your  greatefl  reproofs.     Be,  as  I  have 
faid,  candid  and  free  to  all ;  but  familiar  only  with  the  fm- 
cere  and  good  :  for,  by  fo  doing,  you  will  oiFend  none, 
and  have  the  choiceft  friends.  Be  not  too  frequently  in  the 
fame  company,  nor  fpeak  frequently  of  the  fame  things ; 
for  there  is  a  fV.ficty  of  all  things.     lJ{c  voluntary  exercifc, 
that,  upon  occafion,  you  may  bear  involuntary  labour.  Gain 
true  learning,  that  you  may  not  be  fhamefully  impofed  upon 
.  by  pretenders  to  it.     What  you  would  think  it  a  diforace  to 
be  excelled  in,  make  yourfelf  betimes  a  mafler  of.     Be  not 
overcome  by  infamous  paflions,  avarice,  anger,  voluptu- 
oufnefs,  melancholy,  and  defpair.     You  will  overcome  co- 
vetoufnefs,  if  you  think  equity  and  juftice  the  nobleft  trea- 
fure.     You  will  overcome  anger,  if  you  difpofe  yourfelf  to 
be  fuch  towards  thofe  who  commit  faults,  as  you  would  de- 
fire  others  to  be  towards  you  in  a  like  cafe.  You  will  over- 
come bafc  pleafures,  by  thinking  it  a  difgrace  to  command 
your  domeflics,  and,  at  the  fame  time,  be  a  flave  to  fenfual 
appetites.     You  will  overcome  difpondcncy  and  defpair,  by 
confidcring  the  misfortunes  of  other  men,  and  remembering 
that  you  yourfelf  are  but  a  man.     When  a  fecret  is  com- 
mitted to  you,  keep  it  more  religioufly  than  you  woul4 
gold  and  filver  entrufted  with  you  ;  for  a  good  man's  word 
fhould  be  more  facrcd  than  another's  oath.     Think  it  as 
much  your  duty  to  be  diffruflful  of  the  bad,  as  to  trufl  the 
good.     Never  reveal  to  any  your  fecret,  unlefs  it  fhould 
prove  ;^3  beneficial  to  oiheii  to  conceal  it,  as  to  yourfelf  not 
to  have  it  known.     Swear,  if  required,  upon  two  occa- 
lions ;  cttlier  to  free  yourfdf  from  an  ignominious  accufa* 
tioii,  or  fave  your  friends  from  danger  or  injuftlce.     For 

thg 


!^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  9 

the  fake  of  your  own  money,  never  call  God  to  witnefs 
your  words,  though  you  fhould  fwear  truly  :  fome  will  elfc 
either  imagine  you  forefworn,  or  a  flave  to  intereft.  Admit 
no  one  into  your  fricndfliip,  before  you  have  inquired  dili- 
gently how  he  has  behaved  to  his  former  friends ;  for  you 
may  cxpea,  that  he  will  behave  to  you  as  he  has  to  them. 
Contract  fricndfhip  flowly  ;  but  once  a  friend,  endeavour 
to  be  always  fo.     The  infamy  is  near  the  lame  to  have  no 
friend  at  all,  and  frequently  to  change  your  companions. 
Neither  try  your  friends  at  your  own  hazard,  nor  be  igno- 
rant of  their  fmcerlty  :  you  will  befl  efica  this,  if,  when 
you  are  not  in  nccclTity,  you  preter.d  to  be  fo.    Truft  them- 
with  what  is  not,  as  if  it  was  a  iccret  of  moment ;  for, 
though  miflakcn  in  your  notion  of  their  probity,  you  will 
not  be  hurt :  but,  fhould  you  not  be  deceived,  you  will  the 
better  know  their  manners.     Judge  of  your  iriends  in  the 
misfortunes  of  your  life,    and  their  voluntary  fharing  of 
danger  :  for  we  prove  gold  hy  fire  ;  hut  v/e  know  befl  our 
rearfriends  m  diftrcfs  and  aiHiction.     You  will  behave  in 
the  moft  generous  manner  towards  your  friends,  if  you  do 
not  wait  for  their  prayers ;  but,  by  a  ipontaneous  aiTiflance, 
prevent  their  defires  in  their  necelTities.    Think  it  the  fame 
difgrace  to  be  exceeded  by  your  friends  in  kind  aclions,  as 
to  be  trampled  upon  by  the  injuflice  of  your  enemies. 
El^eem  thofe  friends  that  grieve  not  ^^nly  for  your  adverfity, 
but  do  not  envy  you  in  your  profperity  :  for  many  mourn 
for  their  friends  who  are  in  afflldtion  j  but  look  not  with 
an  eafy  eye  upon  their  happinels  or  promotion.    Speak  ho- 
nourably of  ^ur  abfcnt  to  your  prefent  friends,  that  they 
may  believe  you  will  not  fet  light  by  them  in  their  abfence. 
Be  elegant  and  genteel  in  your  drefs ,  but  not  tawdry  and 
whimiical.     Value  not  yourfelf  upon  the  greatnefs  of  your 
riches,  but  the  rational  ufe  of  them.     Defpife  thofe  who 
endeavour  to  heap  up  wealth,  but  are  not  qualified  to  enjoy 
it :  they  a£l  much  the  lame  as  that  perfon  would  do,  who 
fhould  purchafe  a  line  horfe,  though  he  knev/  not  how  to 

rido 


10  The     ORATIONS 

ride  him.  Make  your  cflate  a  real  good,  as  well  as  a  pof- 
feilion.  Riches  are  of  fervice  to  thofe  who  underftand  how 
to  make  a  right  ufe  of  them  ;  but  a  mere  poflefllon  to  thofe, 
who  have  not  fouls  adequate  to  the  wife  and  juft  employ- 
ment of  them.  Have  a  due  value  for  the  goods  of  fortune, 
on  two  accounts :  the  firft,  that  you  may  be  able  to  bear  a 
great  lofs,  and  aflift  a  worthy  unhappy  friend.  In  all  other 
refpecls,  love  not  violently,  but  moderately,  the  pofTeflion 
of  riches.  Be  fatisficd  with  the  prefent;  but  have  in  view 
what  is  better.  Never  objedl  to  any  one  his  misfortune  ; 
for  chance  is  common,  and  futurity  unknown.  A(Sl  kindly 
by  the  good  ;  for  gratitude  due  from  a  good  man  is  a  noble 
treafure.  If  you  do  good  to  the  bad,  you  will  a6t  juft  as 
wifely  as  if  you  fed  other  mens  dogs  ;  for  they  bark  at  their 
benefactors  equally  as  at  ftrangers ;  and  wicked  men  hurt 
their  friends  as  readily  as  their  enemies.  Deteft  flatterers, 
as  you  would  deceivers  ;  for  both  of  them,  if  once  believed, 
will  prejudice  thcfe  who  put  confidence  in  them.  If  you 
prefer  fuch  friends  as  flatter  your  vices,  you  will  not  find 
fuch  as  are  willing,  for  your  good,  to  incur  your  difplea- 
furc.  Be  afFable  to  thofe  you  meet,  and  not  grave  or  au- 
ilere :  for  even  flaves  can  hardly  bear  with  fupercilioufnefs 
and  pride  ;  but  all  men  love  fwectnefs  of  manners  and  afta- 
bility.  You  will  be  aflTable  and  polite,  if  youihun  difpute, 
are  not  morofe,  nor  quarrclfome  on  flight  occafions,  not 
haftily  oppofing  your  friends  in  anger,  though  they  fhould 
happen  to  be  unjuftly  fo  with  you  ;  but,  while  they  are  un- 
der the  influence  of  paflion,  give  way  to  them,  and,  when 
cooled,  with  reafon  reprehend  them.  Be  notfcrious  injo- 
cofe  affairs,  nor  delight  in  rallery,  when  the  bufmeis  is  of 
moment;  for  what  is  out  of  feafon  is  never  pleafmg.  Do 
not  lofethe  grace  of  a  kind  action,  which  many  perfons  do, 
by  afufting  their  fiiends  unwillingly.  Be  not  fubjeCl  to  ac- 
cu(c  others ;  for  it  is  odious :  nor  fet  yourfelf  up  as  a  cen- 
fof ;  for  it  is  apt  to  provoke  men  to  anger.  Above  all 
±i>]gS5  avoid  converfaiion  over  liq'jor  5  but  if  you  happen 

tQ 


\ 


>v*. 


f«' 


'  m\i' 


\ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         II 

to  fall  into  fuch   company,  arife  before  you  arc  intoxi- 
cated: for  when  the  underftanding  is  difordered  by  wine,  it 
is  like  a  chariot  which  has  flung  ofF  its  driver ;  for  a 
chariot  wanting  a  diredling  hand.  Is  hurried  without  or- 
der ;  and  the  foul  is  full  of  error  and  deception,  when  the 
mind  is  darkened  with  ftrong  liquors.     Aim  at  immorta- 
lity by  your  heroic  adions ;  but  let  yourcondud  be  fo  pru- 
dent,  that  you  never  become  forgetful  of  mortality.   Judge 
learning  in  proportion  more  excellent  than  ignorance,  as 
all  other  vices  almoft  are  attended  with  fome  gain  ;  but  ig- 
norance is  produaive  of  nothing  but  detriment.     Of  thofe 
you  would  make  your  friends,  fpeak  frequently  fome  good 
to  fuch  as  will  tell  them  again  :  for  praife  is  the  beginning 
of  friendfhip,  as  difpraife  is  of  enmity.     If  you  confult 
about  an  affair  of  importance,  judge  by  the  paft  of  what 
may  happen  ;  for  what  is  obfcure  is  beft  cleared  up  by  what 
is  manifeft.     Confult  leifurely,  but  execute  fpeedily,  your 
determinations.     Believe  the  greatefl  happinefs  we  can  ex- 
pea  from  God,  to  be  good  fuccefs ;  but  the  higheft  we  can 
from  ourfelves,  to  be  good  counfel.     If  you  are  aihamed  to 
fpeak  openly  about  an  afi:alr,  but  think  proper  to  know 
fome  friend's  opinion,  introduce  your  difcourfe  as  about 
another's  affair  ;  by  that  means  you  will  perceive  his  fenti- 
ment,  and  will  not  difcover  yourfelf.     When  you  defign  to 
afk  any  one's  advice,  confider  how  he  has  acled  in  his  own 
behalf:  for  he  who  has  judged  indifcreetly  about  what  con- 
cerned himfelf,  will  never  advife  prudently  about  the  affair 
of  another.     You  will  be  the  more  excited  to  make  con- 
fult4tion,  if  you  confider  diligently  the  mifchiefs  of  preci. 
pitation.     For  we  have  the  jufteft  value  of  health,  when 
we  remember  the  painji  that  attend  ficknefs.     Imitate  the 
manners  of  kings,    and   follow  their  cufloms.     By  this 
means,  you  will  feem  to  approve  of,  and  emulate  them ; 
fo  that,  by  fuch  behaviour,  you  will  be  more  venerable  to 
the  people,  and  be  fccure  of  the  friendfhip  of  potentates. 
Obey  the  laws  of  kings  ;  but  think  their  own  examples  to 
be  the  flrongeft  law.     For  as  a  perfon  who  lives  in  a  re- 
public. 


12         The     ORATIONS 

public,  is  obliged  to  humour  the  people,  fo  he  who  lives 
under  a  monarchy,  ought  to  admire  and  venerate  the  king. 
In  a  public  poft,  ufe  no  vicious  under-mlniller ;  for  all  will 
attribute  to  you  his  faults.     Leave  public  employments  not 
the  richer,  but  the  more  glorious :  for  the  love  and  praife  of 
the  public  is  preferable  to  accumulated  riches.  Neither  aflift 
or  abet  any  bad  adion  ;  for  you  will  be  thought  to  do  the 
fajBC  things  which  you  approve  of  in  others.     Acquire  the 
power  of  acting  freely  ;  but  always  dirca  your  actions  by 
equity,  to  tlie  end  you  may  be  thought  to  love  juftice,  not 
out  of  weaknefs,  but  freedom  and  goodnefs.     Chufc  rather 
KoFieft  poverty  than  difhoneft  riches :  for  juftice  is  far  better 
than  riches,  as  the  latter  only  profits  the  poffeflbr  in  life,  but 
the  firft  crowns  the  very  dead  with  fame  and  glory.    Riches 
may  be  the  portion  of  the  bad  ;  but  equity  is  the  property  of 
the  sood,    and  an  impoflible  acquifition  to  the   vicious. 
Never  emulate  thofc  who  gain  by  injuftice  ;  but  rather  ad- 
mire thofe  who  fuftcr  prejudice  for  juftice  :  for  (hould  the 
good  excel  the  bad  in  nothing  elfe,  they  certainly  have  the 
better  of  them  by  good  hope  in  futurit)^     Ec  careful  of 
whatever  may  conduce  to  a  happy  life,  but  efpecially  im- 
prove the  folidity  of  your  underftanding :  for  a  good  mind 
is  the  greateft  treafurc  in  a  man's  body.     Endeavour  to  ha- 
bituate yourfelf  to  labour  y  but  let  the  exercife  of  your  mind 
be  wifdom,  that  your  body  may  be  able  to  execute  what 
vou  judge  proper,  and  your  underftanding  fee  what  is  pro- 
fitable.   Whatever  you  defign  to  fay,    examine  in  your 
mind  well  firft  ;  for  many  perfons  tongues  run  before  their 
judgment.     Think  nothing  conftant  in  human  life ;  for,  by 
this  means,  you  will  not  be  too  elate  in  profperity,  nor  de- 
jected in  adverfity.      Think  there  are  two  occafions  of 
fpeaking,  either  about  what  you  perfectly  know,  or  about 
what  is  neceftary  you  fhould  fpeak  of;  for,  in  thefe  two 
cafes  alone,  fpeaking  is  better  than  filence  :  in  others,  it  is 
more  prudent  to  be  filentthan  to  fpeak.     Take  a  juft  plea- 
foe  in  profperitvj  ^n^  grieve  not  immoderately  in  adverfity, 

but 


/ 


V 


\* 


r 


Of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         13 

but  do  not  {6  in  either  cafe  openly  to  all :  for  it  Is  abfurd  to 
hide  our  fubftance  in  our  houfcs,  and  let  our  minds  be  vi- 
able to  ftrangers.     Avoid  difpraifc  more  than  danger :  the 
end  of  life  ought  juftly  to  be  formidable  to  the  bad  j  but  in- 
famy  only  ought  to  be  fo  to  the  good.     Above  all,  endea- 
vour to  live  in  fecurity  ;  but  if  you  fliould  be  obliged  to  run 
the  hazard  of  war,  fcek  Ijfe  and  lafety  with  honour,  but 
never  with  difgrace.     Providence  has  determined  all  (hall 
die  ;  but  nature  and  equity  allows  none  but  the  good  and 
brave  to  do  fo  with  honour.    Wonder  not  that  many  things 
I  have  faid,  agree  not  with  your  prefent  age:  I  am  not  ig- 
norant thev  do  not ;  I  chofe  by  this  treatife  to  give  both  pro- 
per advice  at  this  time,  and  leave  a  rule  for  the  time  to 
come.     You  will  eafdy  now  undcrftand  the  utility  of  thefe 
precepts  i  but  you  will  not  always  find  a  benevolent  coun- 
sellor.    Wherefore,  that  you  might  not  ftand  in  need  of 
afking  the  reft  from  another,  but  find  it  in  this  eflay,  as  in 
a  ftoi^-houfe,  I  thought  I  ought  to  omit  nothing  of  thofe 
things  I  have  to  advife  you,     I  ftiould  return  heaven  my 
fincereft  thanks,  if  I  am  not  deceived  in  the  opinion  I  have 
of  you.     We  ftili  find  moft  men  are  not  pleafed  with  the 
bcft,  but  with  the  moft  lufcious  things,  and  will  rather  chufe 
thofe  friends  who  participate  in  their  vices,  than  fuch  as 
give  them  good  counfcl.     But  I  judge  otherwife  of  you  by 
this  proof, ^that  you  have  hitherto  been  diligent  in  all  other 
learning:  for  it  is  natural,  that  he  who  has  always  com- 
manded  himfelf  in  what  he  knew  to  be  good,  fliould  lifteu 
willingly  to  another's  juft  exhortation.    Above  all,  you  will 
particularly  ftir  up  yourfelf  to  the  emulation  of  virtue,  if 
you  perfuade  yourfelf,  that  the  pureft  plcafures  fpring  from 
it  alone :  for,  by  floth  and  luxury,  forrow  foon  follows  falfe. 
pleafure ;  but  from  labour  to  attain  virtue,  from  temperance 
and  regularity  of  life,  flow  tlie  moft  fcnfible  and  lafting 
joys.     In  the  firft  cafe,  we  have  a  tranfient  pleafure,  but 
are  afterwards  pained  :  in  the  other,  after  induftry  comes 
folid  fatlsfadion.     And  in  all  our  anions  wc  have  not  fo 

lively 


\*' 


14         The    ORATIONS 

lively  a  remembrance  of  the  beginning  as  of  the  concluriorf  : 
for  we  do  the  moft  of  our  aflions  not  fof  themfelves,  but 
for  the  fake  of  their   confequences.      Reflect,    that  the 
bad  aa  wantonly,  without  reafon  ;   if  they  had  any  folid 
maxims,    they    would  endeavour  to   corre(5l  themfelves  , 
good  men  cannot  prevail  on  themfelves  to  be  regardlefs  of 
virtue,  or  infenfible  of  public  cenfure:  for  none  are  fo  odi- 
ous as  fuch  who  pretend  to  be  good,  and  differ  in  nothing 
from  the  vulgar:  and  this  is  but  juft.     If  we  defpife  thofc 
whom  we  find  guilty  of  a  falfity  in  converfation,  what  muft 
we  think  of  thofe  who  are  thus  guilty  through  their  whole 
life  ?    We  muft  with  reafon  think,  that  fuch  are  not  only 
unjuft  to  themfelves,  but  to  all  the  advantages  of  fortune : 
for  I  fuppofe,  that  fhe  has  given  them  riches,  and  honours, 
and  friends  ;  but  they  render  themfelves  unworthy  of  their 
happinefs.     If  it  is  permitted  a  mortal  to  judge  of  the  minds 
of  the  immortal  gods,  I  think  they  have  declared,  by  their 
own  conduct  towards  the  neareft  related  to  themfelves, 
what  their  difpofition  is  towards  the  good  and  bad  of  man- 
kind :  for  though  Jupiter  begot  Hercules  and  Tantalus  (as 
mythology  fays,  and  we  believe),  the  one  he  made  immor- 
tal and  happy,  in  recompence  of  his  virtues  ;  but  the  other 
he  condemned  to  the  fevereft  puni/liments.     Wherefore  it 
becomes  us,  by  their  examples,  to  endeavour  after  virtue  : 
nor  only  to  regard  what  I  have  faid,  but  acquaint  ourfelves 
with  the  noblcft  fentiments  of  the  poets,  and  other  wife 
men  by  profeifion,  if  they  have  faid  any  thing  that  juftly 
deferves   efteem  and  admiration:    for  as  we  fee  the  induf- 
trious  prudent  bee  light  on  every  fragrant  blofFom,  and  fuck 
what  is  ufeful  from  it,  fo  it  becomes  the  true  lovers  of  learn- 
ing to  be  ignorant  of  nothing  that  is  profitable,  but  gather 
goodnefs  and  difcretion  from  all  writers.     Yet  with  all  this 
caie  and  application,  we  (hall,  with  difficulty,  overcome  the 
depravity  of  human  nature. 


-J 


^  •   m 


t 


■i-' 


G^M:^Q^'^Q^Xi^Qi^:^^il^<^^^^Q^'^ 


THE    SECOND 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCRATES 


T  O 


NICOCLES: 

Upon  the  juft  and  wife 

Government  of  aKiNGDo  m. 


es?^(^Qs5<^C4^^<^Q^49e^ 


THE 


The    SUBJECT. 

* 

^     /p  t^^  former  Oration  laid  do^n  the  moji 
ty^  generous  rules  of  private  life.fo  this  con- 
tains direSlionsfor  a  wife  and  happy  government. 
Nothing  can  be  imagined  7iobler  than  the  defign^ 
nor  any  thing  almoji  executed  in  a  more  majlerly 
manner.     Here  are  the  out-lines,  if  1  may  ufe 
the  expreffion,  of  that  perfect  example  of  a  wife 
merciful  government,  which  is  jujily  admired  in 
Telemachus  :  infne,  all  the  maxims  of  royal 
benevolence y  and  principles  of  univcrfal  philan- 
thropy, are  to  be  found  here,  as  in  a  well-difpofed, 
exhaujllefs  magazine  of  the  ?naxi?ns,  whereby  to 
render  flourijhing  and  profperous  a  whole  kijigdom. 
How  happy  would  all  nations  be,  did  all  ki?igs 
know  and  practice  thefe  elevated  lentifnents ! 


■?.• 


[  ^7] 


i 


THE 


Oration  of  Isocrates 

T  o 

N    I     C    O    C    L    E    S: 

UPON     THE     WISE 

Management  of  a  KingdoiIi, 

As  for  thofe,  O  Nlcodes,  who  prefent  kings  with 
rich  veftments,  filver,  ingenioufly  wrought  gold, 
or  any  thing  of  fuch  a  nature,  as  they  are  indi- 
gent of  themfelves,  and  you  abound  in ;  fuch,  I  fay,  feem 
to  me  evidently  to  have  lucre  and  not  generofity  in  view, 
and  more  artfully  to  gain  their  end,  than  thofe  who  make 
profeiTion  of  traffick  :  but  I  judged  this  difcourfe  the  nobleft 
and  moil  ufeful  gift  in  my  power,  worthy  of  my  profeffion 
to  offer,  and  you  to  receive,  if  I  be  but  fo  happy  as  to  de- 
iine  by  the  ftudy  of  what  adtions,  or  avoiding  of  others, 
you  may  the  moft  wifely  govern  your  city  and  kingdom. 
Private  perfons   have  many  opportunities  of  inilruaion ; 
and  a  particular  help  towards  it  is,  that  they  do  not  live 
luxurioufly,  but  are  obliged  to  daily  induftry  for  the  fup^ 
port  of  their  families.     They  have  likewife  the  reftraint  of 
the  laws,  by  which  they  are  governed  :  and  ftill  a  more  An- 
gular advantage  is,  that  all  have  the  liberty  of  fpeaking  freely 
to  them,  and  their  friends  may  both  correal  them  boldly, 

C  and 


i8 


The     ORATIONS 


and  their  enemies  reproach  them  (harply,  for  their  vices. 
Add  further,  that  feveral  of  the  antientefl:  poets  have  left 
accurate  rules  for  the  condu6^  of  their  lives :  fo  that,  by  all 
thcfe  afTiftances,  they  may   eafily  become  better*.     But 
kino-s  enjoy  no  advantages,  of  this  nature  ;  and  though  they, 
of  all  men,  ftand  molt  in  need  of  true  wifdom,  becaufe 
they  are  in  fo  high  an  elevation  of  power,  yet  they  pafs 
often-times  their  lives  without  ever  meeting  with  proper  in- 
flrudors.     The  greateft  part  of  mankind  cannot  approach 
them ;  and  thofe  who  do,  frequently  fpeak  with  flattery. 
And  tho'  kings  are  mafters  of  the  greatefl  riches,  and  are  pof- 
feft  of  the  greateft  power  ;  yet,  by  the  m;fmanagement  of 
thefe  high  prerogatives,  they  have  been  the  caufe  that  many 
have  doubted,  whether  the  private  life  of  fuch  as  live  with 
prudence  and  moderation,  is  not  preferable  to  the  fplendor 
and  elevation  of  kings  f .     When,  indeed,  the  generality  of 
mankind  confidcr  only  the  honours,  riches,  and  power  of 
monarchs,  they  are  apt  to  think  them  demigods  :  but  when 
they  make  refle£lion  again  upon  the  fears  and  dangers  which 
attend  regality,  and  looking  back  into  hiftory,  find  feveral 
monarchs  to  have  been  flain  by  thofe  who  leaft  fhould  have 
done  fo,  others  driven  to  commit  ipjuftices  againft  their 
moft  intimate  friends,  and  fome  of  them  fubjedled  to  both 
tliefe  calamities,  men  are  perfuaded,  that  any  humble  con- 
dition is  rather  eligibly,  than  to  be^upon  thefe  terms,  the  fole 

*  This  is  too  frequently  verified ;  for  where  are  to  be  found 
thofe  heroic,  courageous  perfons,  who  are  the  proper  inftrudors 
of  kings,  who  are  adequate  to  their  charge,  and  have  that  equi- 
ty- of  mind  as  to  fcorn  flattery,  or  the  infufing  into  the  breafts 
of  potentates  ungenerous,  felf-interefted,  or  tyrannous  fenti- 
ments  ?  ."  man  who  makes,  by  his  inftrudion,  a  king  virtuous, 
may  be  faid  to  tinfture  a  public  fpring  with  the  power  of  health, 
wifdom,  and  every  beneficial  quality. 

f  Here  is  a  beautiful  contrail  between  the  fecurity  of  a  private 
life  and  the  danger  of  royalty  :  that  tho'  power  and  riches  at- 
tend the  latter,  yet  that  happinefs,  fecurity,  and  peace,  are  the 
furer  portion  of  competency  and  retirement  from  all  public 

monarch 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         19 

monarch  of  all  Afia.  The  caufc  of  this  inconfiflency  and 
contradiction  in  fentiments,  is,  that  many  are  apt  to  look 
upon  a  crown  as  the  indolent  pofTeilion  of  prieilhood  ;  tho' 
the  duty  of  the  firfl  is  the  higheft  ofEce  of  nature,  and  re- 
quires the  greateft  wifdom  and  forefight.  It  is  the  duty,  in-, 
deed,  of  thofe  who  are  always  with  you,  to  give  you,  in  th.Q 
detail  of  adlions,  proper  counfels  how  you  may  maintain  your 
ftate,  preferve  your  fplendor  and  riches,  and  avoid  damage 
and  misfortune ;  but  it  is  my  part  to  give  you  general  ad- 
vice, to  point  out  what  you  ought  conftantly  to  have  in 
view,  and  how  to  dire£b  the  tenor  of  your  whole  life.  Whe^ 
ther  my  performance  will  anfwer  my  defign,  it  is  hard  to 
judge  in  the  beginning  :  for  many  poems,  as  well  as  profe- 
writings,  while  they  were  in  the  minds  of  the  compofers, 
have  caufed  in  all  a  great  expedlation ;  but,  when  finifhed, 
and  expofed  to  others  criticifms,  procured  the  authors  much 
lefs  glory  than  they  expe£led  ♦.  But  yet  the  intention  is 
certainly  highly  laudable,  to  cultivate  that  part  of  philofo- 
phy,  which  has  been  omitted  by  others,  and  lay  down  cer- 
tain rules  and  principles  for  kings  and  governors.  They 
who  inftru(3  private  perfons,  I  en  fit  only  th  m ;  but  who^ 
ever  infpires  with  the  love  of  virtue  thofe  who  have  fupreme 
power,  greatly  advantage  both  monarchs  and  their  fubje£ls ; 
for  fuch  philofophers  render  kingdoms  fafer  tothe  pofTeflbrs, 
and  their  refpe£tive  governments  milder  and  more  clement 
towards  particulars  f . 

We  muft  firft  confider  what  is  the  duty  of  a  generous- 
minded  king  :  for,  if  we  once  comprehend  well  the  nature 
and  full  extent  of  the  complex  ideas  of  any  thing,  having 
our  eye  upon  that  criterion,  we  fhall  the  better  judge  and 

*  It  is  certainly  true,  that  philofophy,  and  the  principles  of  a 
generous  refined  morality,  is  th^  moft  worthy  ftudy  of  the  hu- 
man kind. 

f  Thisisajuft  obfervation;  for,  by  the  negleflof  this  care, 
we  fee  feveral  perfons  continue,  during  life,  in  a  difgraceful  ig- 
lior^iice  of  their  refpe^ive  obligations. 


Cz 


reafon 


V 


20   •      The     ORATIONS 

reafon  of  the  eflential  part>.     I  think  all  agree,  that  it  ht^. 
comes  a  great  and  good  ruler  %o  put  an  end  to  a  city*s  mife- 
ries,  to  guard  it  in  its  profperity,  and  make  it  happy  and 
flour iihing,  if  low  and  infirm.     Whatever  is  occalionally 
done,  ought  ever  to  be  directed  to  this  noble  end.   It  is  evi- 
dent, that  thofe  vj\vo  are  in  this  fublime  powder,  and  have  fuch 
an  important  charge,  fhould  not  be  indolent,  but  animated 
with  a  noble  ambition  of  becoming  wifer  and  more  diligent 
than  others.  Without  this  ardor,  they  degrade  themfelves :  for- 
this  truth  is  manifeft  by  experience,  that  they  will  have  juft 
fuch  a  conducted  kingdom,  as  they  manage  the  ©economy 
of  their  own  palace  and  minds.     Wherefore  no  combatants 
ou2;ht  to  exercife  with  fuch  care  their  bodies,  as  kings  fhould 
endeavour  to  improve  their  minds.    Not  the  greateft  public 
afTemblies  propofe  any  fuch  glorious  rewards,  as  thofe  which 
great  kings  contend  for  every  day  :  and  certainly  then,  you 
who  are  fenfible  of  this  truth,  ought  to  do  your  utmoft  as 
far  to  excel  others  in  virtues,  as  you  do  in  honours  and 
riches  :  nor  ever  imagine,  that  tho'  diligence  and  care  are 
of  the  higheft  confequence  in  other  refpedls,  yet  that  they 
are  ufelefs  towards  rendering  us  better  and  wifer.    Defpond 
not  fo  of  human  nature,  as  to  judge,  that  man,  who  has 
found  out  the  method  and  art  of  taming,  and  rendering  more 
profitable  other  creatures,  can  no-ways  benefit  himfelf  to- 
wards the  acquifition  of  wifdom  and  virtue.     No,  on  the 
contrary,  be  perfuaded,  that  learning  and  vigilance  can  im- 
prove and  elevate  our  minds  to  the  higheft  perfedlion  they 
are  capable  of  by  nature.     Seek  always  the  company  of  the 
moft  prudent,  and  invite  them  even  from  diftant  places ;  nor 
fuffer  yourfelf  to'be  ignorant  of  either  the  writings  of  the 
moft  excellent  poets,  or  of  any  who  have  made  profeftion  of 
knowledge.   Be  acquainted  thoroughly  with  the  writings  of 
the  former,  and  a  profelTed  difciple  of  the  wifeft  of  the  latter, 
111  fine,  be  a  critic  of  the  inferior  dafs,  and  nobly  emulate 
the  higheft  ;  for,  by  thefe  arduous  exercifes,  you  will  fooneft 
become  the  perfon  we,  fuppofe  y  fuch  an  one,  I  fay,  as  is 

niQil 


\  . 


\ 


4 


oF    i  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  21 

Vnoft  capable  of  reigning  glorioufly,  and  making  happpy  a 
'city,  or  a  nation  *.  Such  a  one  muft  have  a  foul,  which 
glows  with  true  g'ory.  You  will  be  ftimulated  to  attain 
this  glorious  mark,  if  you  think  it  a  fhame  that  bad  men 
fhould  govern  better,  or  the  imprudent  direct  the  wifer  : 
■and  the  higher  contempt  you  have  of  the  ignorance  and  ex- 
travagancy of  others,  fo  much  the  more  you  will  be  ex- 
cited to  enlarge  your  own  anderftanding.  Such  muft  be 
the  principles  of  thofe  who  aim  at  decorum  and  honour. 

Befides",  you  m.uft  be  a  lover  of  mankind,  your  city,  and 
country ;  for  it  is  impoffiblc  that  any  one  fhould  take  care 
evenof  horfes  or  dogs,  and  rnuch  lefs  ofilien  and  public  af- 
fairs, as  they  ought,  if  they  take  not  a  real  pleafure  in 
them.  Let  the  people  be  the  objecSt  of  your  love,  and  have 
a  mild  government  over  them  ;  perfuading  yourfelf,  from 
experience  and  hiftory^  that  thofe  ariftocracies,  as  well  as 
commonwealths,  have  continued  the  longeft,  which  con- 
futed moft  the  intereft  and  humour  of  the  people.  You 
will  hold  the  ireins  of  government  in  the  prudenteft  manner, 
if  you  neither  fufFer  the  multitude  to  commit  injuftice,  or 
be  injured  themfelves :  but  have  always  in  view  the  pro- 
imoting  the  moft  worthy  to  honours,  and  fecuring  the  reft 
from  opprefiion;  for  thefe  principles  are  the  foundations  of 
■a  wife  government.  Change  thofe  edi<Sls  and  inftitutes, 
which  are  not  founded  in  equity ;  endeavour  to  be  the  in- 
ventor of  the  beft  and  moft  political:  if  you  cannot  do  this, 
imitate  the  beft  examples  of  other  cities.  Eftablifh  fuch 
laws  as  are  entirely  juft,  ufeful,  and  confiftent  with  them- 
felves,  that  admit  of  the  leaft  chicaner)'^  and  facilitate  the 
determination  of  all  difputes  among  the  citizens  3  for  good 


*  It  was  a  noble  axiom  of  an  antient  philofopher,  that  the 
greateft  happinefs  of  mankind  confifted  in  perceiving  the  tran- 
Icendent  beauty  of  virtue,  and  loving  it  always  fuperemi- 
nently. 


3« 


lawj 


22         The    ORATIONS 

laws  fhould  have  all  thefe  qualities.     Make  bufmefs  and 
trade  profitable  to  them,  and  all  law-fuits  and  injuftice  pre- 
judicial ;  that  they  may  avoid  the  one,  and  love  and  culti- 
vate the  other  f.     Never  give  fentences  in  judgment  out  of 
favour  to  any  man,  nor  ever  contradictory  to  one  another: 
alw^ays  judge  irt  the  fame  manner  of  the  fame  things  :  you 
will    do  this  befl,  by  loving  honour  and  probity.     It  be-* 
comes  kings  to  have  an  unalterable  judgment  about  vi'hat  is 
juft  and  equitable,  like  the  determinations  and  maxims  of 
the  wifefl  laws.     Adminifter  your  high  office  in  the  king- 
dom, as  you  would  govern  your  own  houfe ;  that  is,  orna- 
ment it  fpiendiJly,  and  like  a  great  king,  and  govern  it  with 
equity  and  exachiefs,  in   refi>ecl  ot  all  atSlions,  that  you 
may  gain  glory,  and  fupport  it.     Never  (hew  your  gran- 
deur and  magnificence  in  expences,  the  effects  ot  which 
foon  vanifn,  but  in  what  I  have  mentioned  before,  in  the 
beauty  and  value  of  your  polielLons,  and  your  generous  ac- 
tions towards  your  friends  j  for  the  ctfccls  of  fuch  expences 
will  be  fure  pollcinons,  and  of  more  worth  to  your  pofte- 
rity  than  their  hrlt  intrinfic  value.     In  religious  ceremo- 
nies, follow  the  iniHtutcs  of  your  anccdorsj  but  believe  it 
to  be  the  truell  and  moil  glorious  facrifice,  as  well  as  divin- 
<rit  worlhip,  if  you  make  yourfelf  as  good  and  wife  as  pof- 
fible  ;  for  there  is  more  likelihood,  that  men  of  exalted  vir- 
tues, rather  than  fuch  as  honour  the  gods  with  facrifice,  will 
have  fuccefs,  by  their  afLfiance,  in  great  enterprifes.  Diflin- 
guifii)  our  uearcll  relations  with  tlie  mnft  pompous  honours  j 
but  )Our  bell:  hier.db,  with  thofe  that  are  the  moft  real  and 
poweriul.     l^hink  your  fureft  guard  to  be  the  courage  of 
your  friends,  the  love  of  your  citizens,  and  your  own  con- 
duct; for,  by  thtfe  means,  kingdoms  are  fooneft  acquired, 
and  iongeil  prefcrved.     Examine  the  oeconomy  of  private 

+  This  is  truly  proper  advice  to  a  king.  If  he  has  a  great 
foul,  he  mud  delight  to  fee  his  nation  flourifh  by  commerce  and 
public  happincis ;  and  will  endeavour  to  extinguifh  law-fuits, 
and  promoce  an  univerfal  good  undciilanding  and  tranquillity 
throughout  hi^  kingdom. 

fami- 


/• 


Wp 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         23 

femllies,  and  think  all  their  profufion  is  ruinous  of  your  own 
treafures;  and  that  induflry  and  frugality  in  the  fubjed  aug- 
ments the  riches  of  the  king :  for  all  the  pofFeflions  in  a 
kingdom  are  the  property  of  generous,  brave,  and  wife 
kings,  in  times  of  neceflity.  Always  have  fuch  a  {lri£l:  re- 
gard for  truth)  that  your  words  at  all  times  may  have  more 
authority  than  the  moft  folemn  oaths  of  others.  Let  your 
city  be  a  religious  afylum  for  all  ftrangers^  and  obferve  with 
the  moft  fcrupulous  equity  all  commercial  contra£ls.  Think 
more  favourably  of  fuch  as,  with  proofs  of  gratitude,  receive 
your  gifts,  than  of  fuch  as  come  to  offer  you  prefents ;  for, 
by  honouring  more  the  firft,  you  will  fpread  your  fame 
wider  in  foreign  nations.  Free  your  citizens  from  fear,  and 
do  not  defire  to  be  dreadful  to  the  innocent ;  for  you  will 
have  others  affected  towards  you,  as  you  behave  to  them. 
Never  do  any  thing  in  real  anger,  tho*  you  may  feem,  out 
of  prudence,  to  be  inflamed  with  it.  Command  refpe6l  and 
awe,  by  being  ignorant  of  no  adlions  ;  but  gain  love,  by 
appointing  puniftiments  that  are  lefs  than  the  crimes.  Do 
not  endeavour  to  fpread  terror  by  feverity  j  but  draw  love,  b  / 
fhewing,  that  others  are  your  inferiors  in  courage  and  under- 
ftanding,  and  by  convincing  them,  that  you  more  prudently 
confult  for  their  profperity  than  they  themfelves  do.  Be 
ready  for  war  by  art  and  preparation  ;  but  difpofed  for  peace, 
by  defiring  nothing  contrary  to  juftice  and  reafon.  Behave 
fo  towards  weaker  cities,  as  you  would  wiih  a  ftronger 
government  fhould  behave  towards  your's.  Love  not  con- 
tention about  trifles,  but  (hew  courage  when  vidlory  will  be 
attended  with  advantage  and  glory.  7  hink  them  not  de- 
ferving  diftionour,  who  have  been  conquered  in  a  noble 
caufe,  but  thofe  who  conquer  with  injuftice.  Never  ima- 
gine thofe  magnanimous,  who  attempt  things  above  their 
power,  but  thofe  who  undertake  moderate  enterprizes,  and 
fuch  as  they  can  bring  to  a  happy  conclufion.  Emulate  not 
thofe  who  have  the  greateft  kingdoms,  but  who  govern  befl: 
their  own  ftates.     Believe  me,  you  will  not  be  the  happier, 

C  4  though 


24         The    ORATIONS 

though  you  (hould  be  able  to  fubjecl  all  mankind  by  fear  and 
terror,  but  by  being  fuch  as  you  ought,  and  adling.  as  at 
prefent ,  for  you  only  defire  now  what  is  moderate,  and  aref 
indigent  of  nothing.  Chufe  not  promifcuoufly  your  friends, 
but  fuch  as  are  worthy  of  your  noble  nature,  nor  thofe  whofe 
converfation  will  give  you  the  grcateft  pleafure;  but  thofe 
whofc  counfels  will  bell  affift  you  in  the  good  government  of 
the  city.    Make  a  {{rici  inquiry  into  the  lives  of  fuch  as  you 
admit  to  your  familiarity,  and  pcrfuade  yourfelf,  that  all 
will  judGre  of  vour  manners  bv  vour  converfation.    Charo;e 
fuch  with  the  management  of  thofe  affairs  which  you  can- 
not adminifter  yourfeU,  whofe  conduct  will  not  be  adifcre- 
dit  to  you  ;  for  be  aifured,  you  will  be  made  refponfible  for 
their  behaviour.     Never  blindly  believe,  that  fuch  as  praife 
whatever  you  fay  or  do,  are  your  real  friends ;  but  think 
thofe  fo,  who  freely  blame  your  errors.     Give  liberty  of 
fpecch  to  the  wife  and  prudent,  that  you  may  have  them 
juft  approvers  of  vour  actions.     Diilinguifh  thofe  who  art- 
fully flatter,  from  fuch  as  affent  to  you  with  benevolence,- 
that  the  bad  may  not  have  advantage  over  the  good.    Liften 
to  what  is  faid  of  one  another  by  different  perfons,  and  en- 
deavour to  know  the  characters  of  thofe  who  fpeak,  and 
thofe  they  fpeak  of.     Punifh  with  equal  punifhment  calum- 
niators, as  you  would  traiiferelTors.     Govern  vourfelf,  a* 
well  as  others  ;  and  think  it  the  mofl  royal  privilege  to  be 
a  flave  to  no  pleafures,  but  to  command  your  affedtions  as 
eafily  and  regularly  as  your  citizens.     Receive  none  rafhly 
into  familiarity,  nor  without  juft  reafons  -y  but  accuflom 
yourfelf  to  take  pleafure  in  fuch  converfations  only  as  may 
benefit  your  mind,  and  make  you  appear  the  better  to 
others.     Seem  not  ambitious  of  glory  from  fuch  actions  as 
bad  men  are  capable  of;  but  ground  your  magnanimitv  on 
virtue,    of   which  vicious   perfons   are  totally  incapable. 
Think  thofe  honours  the  trueit,  which  are  not  paid  out  of 
fear  in  public,  but  by  men,  who,  when  they  are  in  private, 
extol  your  mind  and  character  more  than  your  fortune.- 

Con- 


h 


of   I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        2^ 

Conceal  it,  if  you  chance  to  take  pleafure  in  any  difhonefl 
aftion  ;  and  never  openly  appear  to  neglect  virtue.  Do  not 
imagine  private  perfons  fhould  live  virtuoufly,  and  princes 
have  the  liberty  of  indulging  vice.     The  greatelt  virtue  is  ^3  1 
fupreme  glory  ;  wherefore  judge  it  the  beft  proof  of  your 
wife  government,  if  you  fee  your  fubjedts  become  richer 
and  wifer  by  your  vigilance  and  example.     Chufe  rather 
to  leave  the  inheritance  of  a  lading  glory,  than  accumu- 
lated riches,  to  your  children ;  for  the  latter  is  uncertain, 
but  the  firft  immortal.     And  riches  may  be  acquired  by 
glory  ;  but  glory  cannot  be  the  purchafe  of  riches  :  the  lat- 
ter may  be  the  portion  of  bad  men ;  but  none  except  he- 
roic fouls  can  acquire  the  latter.     Be  (plendid  in  your  drefs 
and  ornaments  of  the  body ;  but  be  manly  irt  all  other  re-* 
fpedts  of  your  life,  that  thofe  who  fee  you  may  judge  you, 
by  outward  appearance,  worthy  of  empire  ;  and  thofe  wha 
privately  converfe  with  you,  think  the  fame  thing  upon  ac- 
count of  your  magnanimity  and  fortitude.     Examine  al- 
ways carefully  your  words  and  adtions,  that  you  may  fall 
into  as  few  errors  as  poffible.     It  is  one  of  the  greateft  diffi- 
culties to  feize  the  critical  point  of  opportunity;  but  when 
the  uncertainty  is  great,  be  cautious,  rather  than  by  bold- 
nefs  overfhoot  the  mark ,  for  mediocrity  rather  confifts  in 
fome  defe6t  than  in  excefs.     Endeavour  to  be  affable  and  fe- 
rious ;  for  the  latter  fuits  royalty,  and  the  firft,  familiar  con- 
verfation.    The  union  of  thefe  two  qualities  is  a  difficulty 
above  all  others  ;  for  if  you  obferve,  you  will  find,  that 
thofe  who  are  ferious,  often  feemcold  or  proud  j  but  thofe, 
who  afFe6t  affability,  too  low  and  humble.     You  muft  join 
thefe  two  chara6ters  ;  and  avoid  the  inconvenience  which 
fometimes  arifes  from  both.     Whatever  vou  would  know 
with  accuracy,  which  becomes  the  ftudy  of  kings,  endeavour 
to  attain  your  defign  by  experience  and  philofophy  :  philo-        • 
fophy  will  {hew  you  the  theory,  and  experience  render  you 
ready  in  public  affairs.     Contemplate  often  what  happens 
to  private  perfons  and  kings ;  for  if  you  remember  what  has 

paffed. 


26         The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

paiTed,  you  will  judge  the  better  about  futurity.  Think  it 
a  fhame  to  monarchy,  that  many  private  perfons  have  will- 
ingly died  to  acquire  praife  j  and  that  kings  fhould  not  have 
refolution  enough  to  live  by  fuch  philofophic  rules  as  would 
render  them  illuftrious  in  their  life-time,  and  admired  by  po- 
fterity.  Chufe  rather  to  leave  monuments  of  your  virtues, 
than  of  your  body.  Have  all  poffible  care  of  the  fecurity 
of  yourfelf  and  city.  If  you  are  obliged  to  expofe  yourfelf 
to  danger,  chufe  rather  to  die  with  honour  than  live  in 
difgrace.  In  all  your  adions,  remember  you  are  a  king, 
and  take  care  you  do  nothing  unworthy  of  fo  exalted  a  Na- 
tion. Suffer  not  your  perlbn  at  once  to  undergo  a  total 
diflblution  ;  but  fmce  you  have  a  mortal  body,  and  an  ini- 
mortal  mind,  endeavour  to  leave  an  eternal  remembrance 
of  the  latten  Difcourfe  frequently  of  philofophic  maxims^ 
that  you  may  accuftom  yourfelf  to  the  like  fentimcnts. 
Whatever  feems  beft  to  your  moft  diligent  confideration,  be 
fure  to  put  it  in  pradlice.  Imitate  the  adions  of  thofe  men, 
whofe  glory  you  emulate.  Follow  yourfelf  fuch  counfels 
as  you  would  give  your  own  children.  Benefit  by  what  is 
faid,  or  feek  what  is  better.  Think  not  thofe  philofophers, 
who  difpute  lubtily  about  minute  things ;  but  fuch  as  fpeak 
eloquently  and  affedionately  of  the  fublimeft  fubjects :  not 
fuch  as  promife  to  make  others  happy,  while  they  them- 
felves  want  all  the  conveniencies  of  life  -,  but  thofe  M'ho 
fpeak  moderately  of  themfelves,  yet  underftand  bufinefs 
and  mankind,  nor  are  ever  at  a  lofs,  and  puzzled  at  the 
changes  of  life ;  but  know  how  to  bear  reafonably,  and  with 
moderation,  both  lofTes  and  profperity. 

And  wonder  not,  if  you  already  perfe£lly  know  many 
of  thefe  truths ;  for  I  am  not  ignorant  of  it.  I  know, 
that  the  number  is  great,  both  of  private  perfons  and 
princes,  fome  of  whom  have  fpoken  a  part  of  thefe  things, 
fome  have  pradifed  them,  others  have  feen  them  prac- 
tifed,  and  others  have  taught  them :  but,  in  the  pre- 
cepts of  life,  we  are  not  fo  much  to  feek  after  novelty ; 

for. 


li      / 


''4 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S,         27 

for,  in  thefe,  there  ought  to  be  nothing  incredible,  no- 
thing contraiy  to  the  inward  clear  fentiments  of  mankind, 
and  I  judge  that  he  is  the  beft  writer  in  this  kind,  who 
colledls  thofe  approved  maxims  which  are  fcattered  here 
and  there  in  others  minds,  and  exprefs  them  in  the  politeft 
manner :  for  it  is  evident,  that  the  moft  moral  poems,  and 
other  writings,  are  judged  by  all  the  moft  ufeful ;  but  yet 
are  not  read  with  the  greateft  pleafure;  on  the  contrary, 
men  are  afFeded  towards  them  as  they  are  towards  ad  moni- 
tors. Though  it  is  cuftomary  to  hear  fuch  men  praifed,  yet 
their  company  is  feldom  fought  after ;  and  many  chufe  ra- 
ther to  converfe  with  thofe  who  are  guilty  of  grofs  faults, 
than  fuch  as  will  give  them  good  advice.  A  proof  of  this 
may  be  drawn  from  the  writings  of  Heficd,  Theogni,  and 
Phocilides:  for  all  allow,  that  thefe  authors  are  the  beft 
counfellors  for  the  diredion  of  life  ;  but  tho'  they  grant  this, 
yet  they  chufe  rather  to  be  converfant  with  others  follies 
than  their  wife  precepts.  And  fhould  any  one  chufe  out 
the  feled  fentences  of  the  moft  excellent  poets,  in  the 
invention  of  which  they  exerted  their  whole  genius,  fome 
men  would  be  as  little  affected  by  them  ;  for  they  would 
fooner  hear  the  worft  and  moft  immodeft  comedy,  than  fuch 
admirable  pieces  of  poetry.  But  why  fhould  I  longer  dwell 
on  particulars  ?  for,  if  we  confider  the  nature  of  mankind, 
we  fhall  find  the  greateft  part  neither  pleafed  with  the 
wholefomeft  meats,  the  beft  of  inftrucSlions,  nor  the  moft 
virtuous  adlions ;  but,  feeking  pleafures  deftruftive  of  true 
happinefs,  fee  them  rather  endeavour  to  appear  lovers  of 
induftry  and  temperance,  than  pradlice  real  philofophy. 
Wherefore,  how  is  it  pofllble,  by  exhortation,  fcience,  or 
ufeful  knowledge,  to  pleafe  fuch,  who,  for  the  above-men- 
tioned reafons,  envy  the  eloquent  and  wife,  and  think  the 
moft  ftupid  and  thoughtlefs  worthy  of  efteem  for  their  fim- 
plicity  ?  Thus  they  fly  from  truth  in  their  ad^ions,  and  are 
ignorant  of  the  nature  of  their  own  condu6l;  and  grieve 
when  they  turn  their  minds  inward  upon  themfelves  j  but 

take 


28 


The     ORATIONS 


\ 


/ 


take  a  pleafure  in  difcourfmg  of  others  actions.  Nay,  they 
would  rather  fufFer  inconveniencies  in  their  bodies,  than 
exert  their  minds,  and  provide  by  induftry  againft  the  ne- 
ceflities  of  life.  They  frequently  likewife  abufe  others'^ 
and  are  abufed  by  them ;  and,  when  alone,  employ  no 
themfelves  in  fome  ufeful  bufinefs,  but  pafs  their  time  in  in!e 
wifhes.  I  fpeak  not  this  of  all,  but  luch  us  arc  guilty  of  tlie 
above-mentioned  negligences  and  errors.  It  therefore  is  clear 
to  me>  that  whoever  would  doy  or  write,  what  will  pleafe 
the  multitude,  mult  not  chufe  the  mo/1  ufeful  precepts,  but 
amufe  them  with  the  moft  pleafmg  fables  ',  for  they  take  a 
pleafure  in  reading  fuch  empty  fictions:  but  when  they  (ee 
the  efforts  of  courage  and  virtue,  they  feel  a  pain  in  their 
minds.  Wherefore  Homer,  and  thofe  who  firft  invented 
tratyedv*  deferve  juft  admiration;  becaufe,  confiderijig  hu- 
man  nature,  they  intermixed  both  thefe  characters  of  writ^ 
ino-s  in  their  poetry  :  for  the  firft  invented  the  battles  and 
v/ars  of  the  demigods,  and  the  latter  reprefented  to  the  ey-e 
pailions,  patience,  and  heroic  anions;  fo  that  we  become 
not  only  hearers  but  fpedtators.  By  thefe  examples,  there- 
fore, it  is  demonftrable,  that  thofe  who  would  charm  the 
minds  of  the  hearers,  muft  ablbin  from  admonition  and 
counfel  5  on  the  contrary,  they  muft  write  fuch  things  as 
pleafe  the  crowd.  I  have  mentioned  fo  muchj  becaufe  I 
thought  that  you,  who  are  the  king  of  a  numerous  people, 
(hould  not  be  like  one  of  the  vulgar,  nor  have  a  mind  upon 
a  level  with  the  multitude,  nor  judge  of  the  merit  of  ac- 
tion?, or  men,  as  they  are  merely  eftedive  of  pleafure  j  but 
make  profit  and  ^ood  the  ftandard  of  both  :  efpecially  con- 
fidering,  that  the  philofophers  themfelves  difl^er  widely  in 
their  notions  of  the  proper  exercife  of  the  mind,  while  fome 
of  them  fay,  they  (hould  confift  in  controverfial  logical  dif- 
putes  ;  but  others  affirm,  that  we  ihall  attain  the  moft  per- 
fect wifdom,  by  frequenting  the  company  of  thofe  who  are 
more  prudent  and  better  than  ourfeives.  However,  this 
they  all  agree  in,  that  a  perfon  who  is  thoroughly  well  edu- 
cated. 


v< 


\ 


\ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  29 

cated,  (hould  be  capable,  by  both  thefe  means,  to  give  the 
folideft  counfels.  But,  relinqui(hingcontroverfy,  we  (hould 
take  for  proved  what  is  confeiTed  on  both  fides,  and,  in 
emergencies,  always  confult  men  of  the  beft  underftand- 
ing9,  and  never  regard  thofe  who  fpeak  in  general  terms  of 
afi'airs,  and  are  unable  to  diftingui(h  the  decorum  and  pro- 
priety of  adtions  :  for  it  is  certain,  that  he  who  cannot  be- 
nefit himfelf  by  his  knowledge,  will  never  be  able  to  benefit 
others,  or  render  them  prudent.  But  do  you  particularly 
efteem  thofe  who  have  a  ftrong  mafculine  reafon,  and  can 
fee  more  into  aft'airs  than  others ;  perfuading  yourfelf,  that 
a  prudent,  virtuous,  magnanimous  counfellor  is  the  moft 
ufeful  and  nobleft  treafure  of  a  great  king.  Finally,  be- 
lieve that  thofe  will  extend  your  kingdom  the  fartheft,  who 
render  your  mind  the  wifer  and  more  fagacious.  I  have  gi- 
ven you  the  beft  advice  in  my  power,  and  have  made  you 
the  moft  worthy  prefent  I  was  able.  Let  me  add  one  hint 
here,  of  what  I  mentioned  in  the  beginning,  that  you  (hould 
not  be  defirous  of  thofe  cuftomary  prefents,  which  you  pur- 
chafe  dearer  from  the  givers  than  from  the  fellers,  but  of 
fuch,  as  though  you  frequently  ufe  them,  nay,  never  omit 
a  day  to  do  fo,  you  will  render  no  worfe,  or  ever  wear  out, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  make  them  of  more  w^orth,  and  va-» 
Juable  to  yourfelf, 


THE 


./ 


/^ 


C5s^^as^-^5gs5C)^Q»^2ei»0^esJ0^es^ 


THE    THIRD 


O  R  A  T  I  O 


f^K.       1 


O  F 


ISOCRATES, 


I  N    T  H  E 


Person  of  Nicocles: 


SHEWING 


The  DUTY  of  a  SUBJECT, 


AND    PROVJNG 


Monarchy  the  bellForm  of  Goveiinment, 


Q^'^Qi^(>l^^^9Q^(^Q^^^ 


'/ 


t33] 


The    S  U  B  J  E  C  T, 

^HIS  Oration  is  delivered  in  the  perfon  of 
NicocLES,  who  /peaks  as  a  be7ievolent  fa^ 
ther  to  his  JubjeBs.  Nothing  can  be  imagined 
more  humane  than  his  fentiments :  he  requires  no 
things  of  themy  but  as  fuppofed  wife  men^  and 
friends  to  his  government ^  upon  the  principles  of 
gratitude.  Let  Nicocles  have  been  what  he 
wouldy  this  Oration  Jhews  Isocrates's  fentimenf 
of  a  good  and  truly  gracious  king  5  infne^  a  ber^ 
full  of  philanthropy. 


ft 


A 


m: 


THE    THIRD 

Oration  oFIsocrates^ 

I  N    T  H  E 

Person  of  Nicocles: 

SHEWING 

The  Duty  of  a  Subject,  and  proving  Mo-* 
NARCHY  the  beft  Form  of  Government, 

THERE  are  fome  who  have  an  averfion  to  public 
orations,  and  blame  thofe  who  apply  their  minds 
to  the  noble  fludy  of  philofophy ;  and  fay,  that 
J)hilofophers  compofe  their  difcourfes  for  the  fake  of  lucre, 
the  favour  of  princes,  and  their  own  felf-advantage.  I 
would  willingly  have  a  reafon  given  me  by  thcfe  men,  why 
Ihey  fhun  the  eloquent  and  learned,  yet  praife  thofe  who 
do  glorious  adions.  If  rewards  offend  them,  far  greater 
are  the  confequenccs  of  adlions  than  words :  befides,  it  is 
abfurd  to  think,  that  we  are  either  religious  or  juft,  or 
praclife  any  other  virtues,  out  of  a  view  of  being  m  a  worfe 
condition  than  others  ;  but  that  we  may  render  our  lives  as 
happy  as  pofTible :  wherefore  we  are  not  to  cenfure  thofe 
actions,  whereby  we  may  virtuouily  better  our  condition 
but  fuch  men  only,  who  tranfgrefs  againfl  juflice  and  rea- 
fon in  their  anions,  ajid  deceive  by  their  artful  fpeaking 
iiid  oratory.  And  I  wonder  why  the  men  I  blame  condemn 

D  not 


34         The    ORATIONS 

Hot  the  poffefTion  of  riches,  flrength,  and  fortitude ;  for  if, 
upon  account  of  fome  hypocrites  and  deceivers,  they  have> 
I  fay,  an  averfion  to  eloquence,  I  fee  no  reafon  why  they 
.are  not  difgufted  with  other  things,  which  are  allowed  by 
all  to  be  real  goods,  fince  there  certainly  are  fome,  who  are 
pofleflcd  of  thefe,  who  are  guilty  of  fraud  and  opprcflion. 
But  it  is  not  reafonable  to  blame  flrength,  though  ibme 
abufe  it,  and  beat  and  wound  thofe  the)'  meet  with :  nor, 
on  account  of  murderers,  to  defpife  fortitude  and  bravery  ; 
nor  indeed,   univerfally  fpeaking,   attribute  the  vices  of 
mankind  to  any  other  fource  than  the  depravity  of  their 
own  wills.     We  (hould  only  condemn  fuch,  who  pervert 
the  croods  of  nature,  and  with  thofe  advantages  by  which 
they  might  benefit,  do  prejudice  to  their  fellow-citizens: 
but  many  negledl  to  judge  in  this  manner  definitively  of 
diftincl  things,  and  are  averfe  indifcriminately  to  all  reafon- 
ings,  are  even  fo  blinded,  that  they  do  not  perceive  they 
are  unjuft  to  an  excellency,  which  is  the  caufe  of  all  the 
greateft  advantages  of  mankind, |In  other  refpedls,  we  do 
not  excel  even  the  beads,  nay,  are  far  furpafTed  by  them  in 
fwiftnefs,  ftrength,  and  many  other  faculties  :  but  mutual 
language  being  naturally  peculiar  to  us,  and  the  power  of 
declarino-  our  thoughts  about  whatever  we  pleafe,  we  have, 
by  perfuafion,  not  only  left  off  a  favage  life,  but  afTembling 
together,  have  built  cities,  made  lav/s,  found  out  arts,  and 
have  attained,  by  reafon  and  eloquence,  almoft  all  the  ad- 
vantages we  enjoy  by  the  benefit  of  fociety  and  invention. 
It  was  true  eloquence  and  perfuafion,  that  firft  laid  do^"^-'. 
the  rules  whereby  we  may  judge  what  is  juft  or  unjuft,  ho- 
nourable or  infamous ;  without  the  knowledge  of  which, 
we  could  never  live  in  community  together.     It  is  by  the 
art  of  fpeaking  that  we  convi6^  the  bad,  and  praife  the  good. 
By  this  we  inftruct  the  ignorant,  and  approve  the  wife  and 
prudent;  for,  to  fpeak  as  one  fliould  upon  momentous  oc- 
cafions.  Is  the  greateft  proof,  in  my  opinion,  of  a  good 
undcrftanding :   and  certainly  converfation  full  of  truth, 
Jtafon,  and  juftice,  is  the  beft  pidure  of  a  virtuous  and  fin- 

ccrc 


J»3 


r--.' 


;j: 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S. 

Cefe  mind.     In  fine,  by  the  art  of  fpeaking,  we  maintain 

our  caufe  againft  our  adverfarles,  and  we  inquire  into  ob-* 

fcure  truths  ;  for,  by  the  fame  arguments  whereby  we  per- 

fijade  otherS)  we  fatisfy  our  own  minds  when  wc  would 

take  a  wife  refi)Iution.     We  call  rhetoricians  thofe  that  are 

capable  of  fpeaking  to,  and  perfuading  a  multitude  ;  but 

thofe,  prudent  pei  for.s,  who  reafon  bell"  in  their  own  minds 

about  their  own  affairs  ;  and,  if  I  muft  give  my  judgment 

at  once  concernino;  this  art,  there  is  nothino;  which  is  acled 

prudently,  both  in  rcfpetSl  of  words  and  actions,  but  artful 

reafoning  is  the  fureil:  guide,  and  they  that  have  it  in  the 

higheft  degree,  have  the  moft  enlarged  minds  :  wherefore 

v/e  ought  equally  to  deteft  thofe  who  fpeak  contemptuoufiy 

of  wife  teachers  and  true  philofophcrs,  as  we  do  of  thofe, 

who  violate  the  temples  of  the  gods^    I,  for  my  part,  have 

a  value  for  all  difcourfes  and  v/ritlngs,  v/hich  are  in  any 

the  leaft  degree  capable  of  doing  good  ;  but  I  think  the 

nobleft  oration,  the  fubiimeft,  and  moft  worthy  of  a  king, 

muft  be  that,  which  lays  down  the  beft  and  wifeft  rules  of 

government ;  and  they  are  the  complcateft  phijofophers, 

who  teach  both  how  princes  Ihould  behave  towards  their 

fubjeds,  and  how  their  fubjeds  ftiould  behave  towards  them; 

for,  by  a  mutual  well-regulated  conducSI:,  I  fee  cities  become 

greater  and  more  flourifhing  than  others. 

Therefore  you  have  heard  the  firft  oration,  which 
was  written  by  Ifocrates,  upon  the  true  art  of  monarchical 
government;  but  I  fhall  fpeak  myfelf  another,  which  teacher 
the  duties  of  an  obedient  fubjed ;  not  tliat  I  flatter  myfelf 
with  furpafling  him,  but  becaufe  I  judge  it  moft  becoming 
myfelf  to  declare  my  mind  to  you  on  this  fubject :  for, 
fnould  I  not  let  you  know  what  I  require  of  you,  and  you 
acl  againft  my  will,  I  could  not  juftiy  be  angry  with  you. 
Now,  I  judge,  that  I  fhall  moft  efieciually  incline  and  ex- 
cite you  to  the  remembrance  of  what  I  (hall  have  faid,  as 
well  as  to  obedience,  not  by  enumerating  fo  many  political 
precepts,  and  then  concluding;  hut  by  firft  demonftrating, 
that  you  ought  highly  to  efteem  our  prefent  government. 

Da  and 


4 .  -f 


J 


■J-. 


36 


The    ORATIONS 

and  love  it)  not  out  of  a  fervile  necelTity,  or  becaufe  this 

has  been  our  conftitution  time  out  of  mind,  but  becaufe  it 

certainly  excels  all  other  conftitutions ;  and  then  proceed- 

ing  to  fhew  you,  that  I  do  not  poflefs  a  crown  unjuftly^ 

nor  the  property  of  another,  but  by  legal  faniSlion,  juftlyi 

and  by  defcent  from  my  ahccftors,  to  my  father  and  ray- 

felf ;  for,  if  thefe  aflertions   are  previoufly  demonftrated, 

there  can  be  no  one  amongft  you  will  not  think  himfelf 

worthy  of  the  fevered  penalty,  if  he  be  not  obedient  to  my 

counfels  and  edicts. 

In  regard  of  political  governments  (for  there  I  propofed 

to  begin)  I  think  it  granted  by  all,  that  it  Would  be  the 
greatefl  error  and  injuflice  pofTible,  if  the  good  and  bad 
were  treated  alike;  and  that  it  is  certainly  confonant  to  rea- 
fon  and  equity,  that  the  balance  of  juftice  fhould  be  held 
even  betwixt  them,  and  that  there  (hould  be  a  fuitable  dif- 
ference made  betwixt  perfons  of  fuch  different  merit,  and 
that  both  fhould  have  rew\'irds  worthy  of  their  acSlions. 
Now,  ariflotracies  and  republics  have  generally  in  view  a 
kind  of  level  among  the  citizens ;  and  it  is  their  defign, 
that  none  furpafs  others  in  power  or  pofTeflions,  which 
oftentimes  is  favourable  to  the  worft:  but  juft  monarchies 
confer  their  favours  on  tlie  man  of  the  greateft  merit,  and 
fo  downward  in  a  juft  proportion  ;  and  if  this  happens  not 
to  be  obferved  in  all  of  them,  yet  the  nature  of  the  govern- 
ment Is  fuch.  If  we  confider  the  tempers  and  judgments  of 
mankind,  as  well  as  their  a(5lions,  we  fhall  find,  that  they 
naturally  chufe  monarchies  rather  than  any  other  form  of 
.government:  and  indeed,  who  that  is  endued  with  good 
fenfe,  would  not  rather  wi(h  to  live  under  that  form  of  go- 
\crnmcnt,  in  which,  if  he  excels  in  virtue,  he  cannot  be 
hidden,  than  be  confounded  with  a  multitude,  who  can 
never  diflinguiih  his  merits  ;  nay,  wc  muft  judge  in  reafon 
a  wife  monarchy  the  more  mild  and  equitable,  in  the  fame 
proportion  as  it  is  more  eafy  for  a  prudent  perfon  to  pleafe 
one  clear-fighted  fuperior,  than  humour  the  various  incli- 
liations  aiid  caprices  of  a  whole  people.  Monarchy,  there- 
fore^ 


I 


,-y 


.'VAr 


f  -J" 
■i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         37 

fore,  Is  a  milder,  pleafanter,  and  more  juft  government  than 
any  other.  I  could  illuftrate  my  affirmation  at  large  ;  but 
what  I  have  faid  may  fuffice.  As  for  what  remains  to  fhew 
how  far  monarchies  excel  other  governments  in  political 
counfels,  and  the  execution  of  noble  defigns,  we  may  beft 
examine  into  this,  if  placing  the  greateft  adlions  of  both, 
as  it  were,  parallel  to  one  another,  we  endeavour  to  weigh 
them  in  a  balance.  Thefe  who  have  annual  authority, 
become  private  perfons,  before  they  can  form  a  perfedi: 
judgment  of  the  city,  and  have  fufficient  experience :  but 
thofe  who  have  perpetual  power,  tho'  they  have  an  inferior 
genius,  muft,  from  their  long  experience,  have  fuperior 
abilities  to  other  men,  Befides,  the  former  negled  many 
things,  leaving  them  to  others  care  ;  but  kings  have  an  eya 
to  all,  becaufe  they  know  that  they  are  the  fpring-head  of 
all  the  public  felicity.  Add  to  this,  that,  in  ariftocracies 
and  republics,  perfons  in  public  pofts  often,  out  of  envy 
and  ambition,  make  the  public  fufFer.  But  monarchs, 
having  no  caufe  of  envying  any  in  the  ftate,  as  much  as  it 
is  pofTible,  confult  and  put  in  praclice  what  is  befh  We 
fhould  reflect  on  this  likewife,  that  annual  magiftrates  are 
often  impeded  in  the  care  of  the  public  i  for  they  are  daily 
taken  up  by  their  own  domeftic  affairs,  and,  when  they 
meet  tooether,  they  more  frequently  are  at  variance  than 
ihey  confult  the  public  good :  but  kings,  without  any  ap- 
pointed afteniblics,  or  times,  ftudying  night  and  day  the 
advantages  of  the  ftate,  lofe  no  opportunities  ^  but  do  every 
thing  in°the  opportuneft  feafon.  Befides,  annual  govern- 
ors are  mutual  enemies  and  rivals,  and  wifti  fecretly,  that 
thofe  both  before  and  after  them  fliould  admlnifter  as  im- 
prudently as  poftible  the  public  aff'airs,  that  they  may  have 
ihe  greater  praii'e  and  glory:  on  the  contrary,  kings  being 
always  fupienic  maftcrs,  have  the  fame  conftant  well-regu- 
lated b&nevolence  towards  the  public;  but  the  greateft  ad- 
vantage of  all  is  this,  that  kings  attend  to  the  public  intereft 
as  to  their  own  property ;  but  annual  magiftrates  regard 
^-m  4s  thiii^-s  not  belon2,ing  to  them.   Thp  latter  likqwife 

D  3  ^ 


38  The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

are  apt  to  chufe  for  their  Tub-delegates  the  rafheft  and  moft 
turbulent ;  but  the  former  the  fedateft  and  moft  prudent. 
Republicans  honour  thofe,  who,  by  delufive  eloquence, 
govern  the  mobile ;  but  monarchs,  thofe  who  are  the  moft 
capable  of  managing  aftairs.     Nor  does  a  monarchy  furpafs 
other  governments  only  in  ordinary  and  daily  affairs,  but 
has  all  imaginable  advantages  in  war;  for  monarchies  are 
more  able,  than  any  other  form  of  government,  to  raife 
troops,  to  ufe  them,  to  conceal  or  makeftiev/  of  them;  to 
perfuade  fome  neighbours,  to  force  others  ;  to  buy  off  dan- 
ger from  fome,  and  win  the  affections  of  others  by  obliga- 
tions of  a  different  kind  :  and  this  is  equally  evident  from 
fads  and  words;  for  by  this  means  we  know,  that  the  Per- 
fian  empire  is  grown  to  that  vaft  extent,  net  fo  much  upon 
account  of  the  fupcriority  of  genius  in  that  nation,  as  be- 
caufc  they,  above  all  men,  honour  the  rcyal  dignity.     It 
was  this  natural  pov/cr  of  monarchy,  which  rendered  Dio- 
nyfius  capable  of  not  only  rcftoring  ruined  Sicily,  as  well 
as  his  own  beficgcd  country,  to  freedom  from  danger,  but 
of  making  it  one  of  the  mofl:  flourifhing  ftates  of  Greece. 
The  Carthaginians  and   Lacedaemonians,   who  have   the 
bcft  governed  cities,  are  fubjccl  in  peace  to  a  kind  of  arifto- 
cracy ;  but,  in  time  of  war,  always  obey  one  fupreme  ge- 
neral.    We  may  obfcrve  likewifc,  that  the  city  of  Athens, 
which,  above  all  others,  has  the  greateft  averfion  for  kings, 
whenever  it  commiffioncd  feveral  generals,  it  was  always 
unfuccefsful  5  but,  when  it  trufted  the  fafety  of  the  ftate  to 
one,  was  always  profpcrous  in   its  undertakings.     Now, 
can  it  be  demonftrated  plainer  than  by  thefe  examples,  that 
monarchy  is*  the  moft  excellent  form  of  government ;  for 
it  is  evident,  that  thofe  cities,  who  have  perpetual  regents, 
and  the  greateft  power,  as  well  as  ariftocracies,  or  fuch 
cities  as  are  governed  by  common  counfels,  alv/ays  in  the 
moft  critical  and  interelling  affairs,  either  chufe  a  general, 
or  commit  the  condudl  of  their  armies  to  the  k'ln^ :  and* 
let  mc  add  again,  that  tliofe  who  have  a  .-natural  hatred  of 
king.s,  when  tlu-y  fend  in  joint  comniiilion  feveral  captains. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         39 

are  fure  almoft  of  mifcarriage  in  their  defigns.  But,  were 
it  proper  here  to  introduce  antiquity,  it  is  faid,  that  the 
gods  themfelves  are  governed  by  a  monarchy  ;  and  if  this 
is  true,  it  is  hence  evident,  that  even  they  prefer  this  kind 
of  conftitution  above  all  others.  But  if  no  one  knows  the 
certainty  in  this  cafe,  and  by  conjedlure  only  mankind  have 
perfuaded  themfelves  of  it,  it  is  certain,  that  mankind,  by 
a  fort  of  inftin(Sl,  have  the  higheft  value  for  a  monarchy; 
for  they  never  would  have  faid,  that  the  gods  are  governed 
by  this  form,  if  they  had  not  thought  it  the  moft  perfedt  of 
all  others.  To  mention  exadlly  the  different  forms  of  go- 
vernment in  all  cities,  would  be  an  endlefs  undertaking  j 
hut  I  am  of  opinion,  what  I  have  faid  will  abundantly  fiif- 
fice  for  my  purpofe. 

I  SHALL  now  make  my  difcourfe  much  ftiorter  in  regard 
to  my  juft  title  to  this  precedency;  for  the  proofs  are  more 
evident,  and  confeffed  by  all :  for  who  is  fo  ignorant,  as 
not  to  know,  that  Teucer,  the  head  of  my  family,  taking 
w^ith  him  the  anceftors  of  the  other  citizens,  failed  hither, 
built  this  city,  and  divided  amongft  them  the  territory. 
My  father  Evagoras,  when  others  had  loft  the  crown,  re- 
covered it  agam  by  his  virtues,  after  he  had  undergone  the 
greateft  dangers,  and  fo  changed  the  ftate  for  the  better, 
that  the  Phoenicians  no  longer  commanded  Salamis ,  but  we 
now  again  have  the  kingdom,  whofe  it  was  originally. 
What  now  remains  is,  that  I  fpeak  of  myfelf,  thac  you 
may  underftand  you  have  fuch  a  king,  as  not  only  upon 
account  of  his  anceftors,  but  even  upon  account  of  himfelf 
deferves  a  greater  honour  and  government  than  this  he  now 
enjoys ;  for,  I  believe,  all  will  eafily  allow,  that  the  nobleft 
virtues  are  temperance  and  juftice.  They  do  not  only  of 
themfelves  benefit  individuals,  but,  if  we  confider  the  pow- 
ers,  the  ufe,  and  nature  of  things,  we  ftiall  find,  that, 
when  our  adions  are  not  regulated  by  them,  they  become 
the  caufes  of  the  greateft  calamities ;  and,  when  joined  with 
moderation  and  juftice,  are  the  fources  of  all  the  variety  of 
hunua  happinefs :  and  if  fome  of  former  ages  have  been 

D  4  rendered 


40         The    ORATIONS 

rendered  glorious  by  thefe  virtues,  I  fee  no  reafon  why  I 
fhould  not  be  judged  worthy  of  the  fame  glory.    You  may 
judge  of  my  equity  by  this  5  for,  when  I  came  to  fupreme 
power,  I  found  the  pubHc  treafure  empty,  and  quite  ex- 
haufted ;  the  ftate  full  of  trouble,  and  ftanding  in  need  of 
great  care,  ftridl  watch,  and  much  expence.     Though  I 
know,  that  many,  on  the  like  occafions,  endeavourincr  to 
eftablifh  their  own  interefls  by  any  means  whatever,  have 
done  many  things  contrary  to  honour  and  virtue,  yet  I  was 
not  depraved  by  fuch  examples;  but  I  managed  the  public 
affairs  with  fuch  diligence  and  integrity,  that  I  omitted  no- 
thing that  might  encreafe  the  glory,  or  add  to  the  happi- 
nefs,  of  our  city ;  for  I  conduced  myfclf  with  fuch  benevo- 
lence and  mildnefs  towards  the  citizens,  that  thev  no  lono^er 
either  feared  banifhmcnt,  deaths  the  lofs  of  money,  or  any 
the  like  calamity,  under  my  reign.     Though  Greece  was 
inacceffible  upon  account  of  war,  and  we  were  injured  and 
plundered  on  all  fides,  yet  1  paid  off  moil  of  the  public 
debts ;  to  fome  I  paid  all  ;  to  others  a  part ;  of  others  I 
begged  a  delay  of  time  ;  with  others  I  came  to  a  compofi- 
tion  about  public  injuries  upon  as  good  terms  as  1  could 
bring  them  to  allow.     And  though  the  inhabitants  of  the 
ifland  were  our  enemies,  and  the  Pcrfian  kino;  was  onlv  in 
words  a  friend,  but  in  his  intention  a  watchful  adverfary,  I 
remedied  both  thefe  calamities,  complying  with  the  Perfian 
out  of  prudence  ajid  necefllty,  and  behaving  myfelf  to  the 
other  inhabitants  of  the  ifland  with  the  liridtcll  juflice;  for 
I  am  fo  far  from  having  a  defire  of  ufurping  the  property  of 
others,  that  though  many,  if  they  exceed  never  fo  little  in 
power,  are  apt  to  feize  fomething  of  their  neighbours,  and 
encreafe  their  own  riches  and  territory,  yet  I  religiouflv 
retufed  a  country  ofFertd  to  me ;  and  chofe  rather  to  pof- 
fefs  my  own  with  jullice,  than,  with  fraud,  to  acquire  a 
much  larger  dominion.     It  would  be  fuperfluous  to  dwell 
upon  particulars  ;  fince  I  can  fafely  and  publicly  affirm  this 
of  myfelf,  that  I  never  knowingly  injured  any  man  ;  nav, 
I  have  been  generous  to  nianv  of  my  citizens,  and  even 

otl^r 


«.' 


Of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        41 

Other  Graecians,  and  have  given  more  kingly  prefents  than 
all  they  who  have  gone  before  me.  And  it  becomes  thofe 
who  glory  in  juftice,  and  a  mind  fuperior  to  the  temptations 
of  money,  to  be  able,  with  truth,  to  fay  the  like  of  them- 
felves.  In  regard  of  temperance,  I  can  fay  ftill  more ;  for 
knowing  well,  that  all  men  particularly  love  their  own 
wives  and  children,  and  are  moft  provoked  againft  fuch  as 
injure  them,  and  that  indignities  done  them  have  been  the 
fpring  of  the  moft  dreadful  evils,  and  both  private  perfons 
and  governors  have  been  ruined  upon  this  account,  I  fo 
cautioufly  avoided  fuch  dangerous  injuftices,  that,  fmce  I 
came  to  the  throne,  I  never  was  acquainted  intimately  with 
any  woman,  but  my  own  wife ;  though  I  was  not  igno- 
rant, that  many  have  gained  benevolence  and  glory  from 
their  citizens  for  general  juftice,  though  they  indulged  them- 
felves  in  the  pleafures  that  arife  from  female  converfation  : 
but  defigning  to  fecure  myfelf  againft  any  fufpicions  of  this 
nature,  I  made  my  own  practice  an  example  for  my  citi- 
zens ;  for  it  is  beyond  doubt,  that  the  populace  naturally 
imitate  the  manners  of  their  fuperiors.  Befides,  I  thought 
kings  ftiould  as  far  excel  others  in  virtue,  as  they  do  in 
power  and  honour ;  and  that  it  is  folly  and  injuftice  to  re- 
quire probity  from  others,  and  negle(5l  equity  and  temper- 
ance ourfelves.  I  obfervcd  many  to  be  mafters  of  other  af- 
fedions ;  but  that  fome  of  the  heft  of  men  have  failed  in 
regard  of  a  blind  love  for  beauty  :  I  therefore  defigned  my 
citizens  ftiould  fee  I  was  capable  of  governing  myfelf  in  this 
refped,  by  which  I  ftiould  not  only  excel  the  vulgar,  but 
even  thofc  who  have  gloried  in  popular  virtues  and  magna- 
nimity. I  likewife  condemned  the  injuftice  of  thofe,  who 
takincr  wives,  and  enterins;  into  the  moft  abfolute  commu- 
nity  of  life  and  property,  are  not  conftant  in  their  ov/n 
voluntary  contrad ;  but,  by  their  ungovernable  afTecSlion 
for  pleafure,  grieve  thofe  whom  they  ought  to  love,  and 
render  as  happy  as  poffible;  and,  though  they  are  juft  2nd 
equitable  in  regard  of  all  other  fociety,  in  refpecl  of  their 
conduct  towards  their  wives,  forget  their  own  efteem  of 

equity 


42         The    ORATIONS 

equity  and  reafon,  which  they  ought  more  carefully  to 
avoid,  as  their  wives  have  a  ftridler  relation  with  them  than 
any  others.  They  feem  Ignorant  of  what  is  obvious  to 
common  (enfe,  that  they  fow  the  feeds  of  quarrels  and  dif- 
fentions  in  their  own  palaces  ;  but  it  certainly  becomes  wife 
kings,  not  only  to  keep  their  cities  in  peace  and  tranquil- 
lity, but  their  own  houfe,  and  the  place  which  they  inha- 
bit. This  is  the  effedl:  only  of  temperance  and  juftice. 
Nor  have  I  had  the  fame  fentiment  in  regard  of  children, 
which  the  generality  of  kings  have ;  nor  did  I  think  it  pro- 
per to  have  fome  by  women  of  low  birth,  and  others  by  a 
woman  of  royal  blood ;  fome  legitimate,  and  others  natu- 
ral ;  but  I  chufed  to  have  them  equal  by  nature  on  the  mo- 
ther's as  well  as  father's  fide.  In  refpedt  of  mortality,  to 
be  related  to  my  father  Evagoras;  in  refpe6t  of  demi-gods, 
to  the  Aacida*  j  in  refpe(St  of  the  immortal  gods,  to  Jupi- 
ter himfelf ;  I  purpofed,  that  none  of  my  children  (hould 
be  deprived  of  fuch  a  noble  birth.  Though  many  reafons 
perfaaded  me  to  continue  in  my  refolution,  this  motive  was 
not  the  leaft,  that  I  faw  even  bad  men  diftinguifhed  often 
by  courage  and  policy,  as  well  as  other  qualities,  which 
gain  efteem  and  admiration  ;  but  that  none,  except  the  ex- 
altedly  good,  were  pofiefled  of  true  juftice,  temperance,  and 
magnanimity.  Now,  I  judged  it  highly  glorious  to  pradiifc 
thefe  virtues,  which  are  of  too  noble  a  nature  to  lodge  in  a 
vicious  breafti  but,  on  the  contrary,  are  the  pureft,  the 
moft  fublime,  and  celcftial  properties  of  human  nature. 
Upon  this  account,  I  ftudled  with  the  greateft  ardor,  and 
praclifed  temperance  and  juftice,  Thefe  virtues  I  preferred 
not  only  to  fordid  pleafures,  but  even  thofe  amufements 
that  have  a  kind  of  honour  attending  them.  All  virtues  are 
not  to  be  judged  of  in  the  fame  manner ;  for  juftice  is  tried 
by  poverty,  and  temperance  by  fuprcme  power ;  but  fclf- 
denial  by  the  obfervance  of  all  the  duties  of  youth.  Now, 
I  believe,  I  have  given  in  my  own  perfon  proofs,  upon  all 
occafions,  of  all  thefe  virtues  ;  for  having  been  left  by  my 
father  in  great  want  of  money,  I  behaved  myfelf  with  that 

equity, 


ll 


!■»■■.:>■■- 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         43 

equity,  that  I  neither  opprefled  nor  offended  any  of  the 
citizens;  for,  though  I  fucceeded  to  abfolute  power,  I  was 
more  temperate  and  abftemious  in  my  pleafures  than  private 
perfons  ;  and  I  pradlifed  both  temperance  and  juftice  in  an 
age,  when  moft  men  are  apt  to  fall  into  the  oppofite  vices. 
I  fhould,  perhaps,  be  afhamed  to  fpeak  this  before  ftrangers, 
not  on  account  that  I  fet  light  by  glory,  but  becaufe  I  fhould 
be  apprehenfive  of  not  gaining  credit  to  my  words  i  but  you 
are  witnefles  of  the  truth  of  all  I  fay.  Now,  it  is  but  juft: 
to  praife  and  admire  thofe,  who  love  and  pradllfe  virtue, 
and  efpeclally  fuch  who  perfe6l  the  advantages  of  nature  by 
art  and  reafoning ;  for  they  who  are  virtuous  by  chance, 
as  it  were,  and  not  by  principle,  may,  perhaps,  change 
themfelves  :  but  fuch  as,  befides  a  happy  diipofition,  have 
thoroughly  perfuaded  themfelves,  that  virtue  is  the  greateft 
good,  are  fure  to  continue  all  their  lives  in  one  and  the 
fame  uniform  pradlice  of  what  is  laudable. 

I  HAVE  made  my  difcourfe  longer  on  the  two  topics  of 
myfelf  and  what  I  faid  in  the  begiijning,  that  I  might  leave 
you  no  pretence  of  not  willingly  and  zealoufly  obeying  my 
orders  and  counfels ;  and  I  hope  now,  that  every  one  of 
you,  in  his  refpedtlve  charge,  will  juftly  and  diligently  ac- 
quit himfelf  of  his  duties;  for,  fliould  you  be  negligent  in 
either  refpeft,  it  is  impoflible  but  that  the  public  muft  fuf- 
fer  by  it :  therefore  fet  not  light  by,  nor  defpife  any  thing 
that  I  command  you,  judging,  as  you  ought,  that  as  the 
health  of  the  whole  body  confifts  in  the  foundnefs  and  health 
of  the  parts,  fo  you  ftiould  each  of  you,  as  parts  of  the  ftate, 
behave  yourfelves  in  the  beft  and  moft  vigilant  manner: 
nor  have  a  lefs  zeal  to  fee  my  affairs  flourifli  than  your  own : 
and  think  not  deferved  popular  honours  an  obje<Sb  unworthy 
of  efteem  and  emulation ;  on  the  contrary,  fet  a  juft  value 
on  them,  as  the  rewards  of  merit  and  induftry.  Refrain 
from  injuftlcc  to  others,  that  you  may  poflefs  your  own  in 
quiet  and  tranquillity  ;  for  you  ought  to  behave  in  fuch  a 
manner  towards  others,  as  you  expe^l:  I  ftiould  towards  you. 
Aim  not  rather  at  being  rich  than  good ;  being  perfuaded, 

that 


44 


The    ORATIONS 


that  fuch  among  Barbarians,  as  well  as  the  Greeks,  who 
acquired  the  trueft  glory,  have  been  pofTefTed  of  the  nobleft 
privileges  and  advantages.  Believe  the  acquifition  of  money, 
contrary  to  juftice,  to  be  the  fure  feed  of  dangers ;  nor  ima- 
gine to  receive  prefents,  gain  j  or  to  part  generoufly  with 
money,  lofs ;  for  both  depend  upon  particular  circum- 
flancesj  but  that  either,  as  done  in  feafon,  and  with  pru- 
dence, will  benefit  the  agents.  Be  ready  to  acquiefce  in 
all  my  mandates ;  and  be  aflured,  that  thofe  among  you, 
who  befl  promote  my  affairs,  will  enrich  the  mofl  their 
own  houfes.  Think  whatever  any  of  you  is  confcious  of 
to  himfelf,  I  fnall  not  be  long  with  coming  to  the  knowledge 
of  it  ;  and  though  my  body  cannot  be  prefent  in  all  places, 
that  yet  my  care  and  providence  will :  for,  if  you  have 
thefe  fentiments,  you  will  live  with  the  greater  decency  and 
moderation.  Conceal  nothing  from  me  of  your  pofTef- 
fions,  of  your  adlions,  or  defigns  ;  and  believe,  that  clan- 
defline  actions  are  the  fource  of  continual  fears  and  alarms. 
Never  think  of  mixing  fraud  and  craft  in  the  difcharge  of 
your  offices ;  but  acl  with  that  fimplicity  of  manners  and 
integrity,  that,  if  any  (hould  have  a  mind,  they  may  not 
eafdy  find  againft  you  a  pretence  for  calumny.  Examine 
your  ailions,  and  do  not  doubt,  that  fuch  are  bad  which 
you  would  conceal  from  me ;  but  thofe  good,  by  which, 
when  I  come  to  the  knowledge  of  them,  I  fhall  judge  you 
worthy  of  rewards  and  honours.  Conceal  it  not,  if  you 
obferve  fome  pcrfons  unfaithful  in  the  difcharge  of  their  du- 
ties undsr  my  government ;  but  accufc  them  for  it :  for  you 
ought  to  think  thofe  \v\\o  conceal  fuch  practices  as  faulty 
as  thofe  who  are  guilty  of  them.  Nor  ever  believe  fuch 
happy,  wrho  hide  Infamous  adions,  but  thofe. who  are  truly 
innocent;  fince  the  unjuft  always  dcl'crve  themfclves  to 
fufFer  what  they  make  others  fuf^cr  by  their  vices  and  op- 
preffion  :  whereas  the  good  have  a  title  to  all  the  happinefs 
they  are  the  caufe  of  to  others.  Make  no  focieties  or  con- 
federacies without  my  knowledge :  for  fuch  aflbciations  un- 
der other  forms  of  government  have  more  liberty  ;  but,  in 
abfolute  governments,  they  expofe  men  to  danger.    AMain 


f'  t 


1*^ 


not 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         4^- 

not  only  frorri  crimes,  but  the  appearance  of  them,  and 
fuch  a  behaviour  as  will  bring  you  into  fufpicion.     Think 
my  friendfhip  your  greateft  glory  and  fecurity,     Preferve 
with  all  loyalty  the  prefent  eftablifhment  of  government, 
and  defire  no  change  j  for  be  alTured,  that,  in  fuch  confu- 
fions,  there  is  a  neceflity  in  nature,  that  cities  muft  perifli, 
and  private  houfes  be  intirely  ruined.     Doubt  not  but  that 
it  is  not  only  a  natural  difpofition  and  innate  mildnefs,  '. 
which  renders  kings  good  or  cruel,  but  the  manners  and 
conduct  oftentimes  of  their  fubjeds ;  for  many  have  been 
obliged^  by  the  difobedience  of  their  fubjeds,  to  govern 
with  a  feverer  hand  than  they  would  have  done  by  their 
own  inclinations.     Prefume  not  fo  much  on  my  mildnefs 
as  your  own  prudence  and  virtues*     Think  my  fafety  your 
own  fecurefl  bulwark ;  for,  if  my  affairs  are  profperous 
you  will  find  yourfeives  in  the  greatefl  fecurity.  You  ought 
to  fliew  humility  In  the  willing  obedience  to  my  commands 
and  your  adherence  to  your  country's  laws  and  inftitutes  : 
and  you  fhould  fliew  a  zeal  for  my  royal  prerogative.     Be 
fplendid  and  magnificent  in  the  difcharge  of  all  thofe  offices 
I  truft  you  with,  as  well  as  my  particular  orders*     Exhort 
the  youth  to  emulate  you  in  virtue^  not  only  by  words,  but 
demonftrating  to  them  by  your  adions,  what  it  is  to  be 
good,  and  have  a  title  to  true  honour  and  glory*     Teach 
your  children  obedience  to  their  king,  and,  by  early  in- 
ftrudlion,  accuflom  them  to  qualify  themfelves  for  my  fa- 
vour ;  for,  if  they  once  learn  to  obey  a  juftruler,  they  will 
be  fitter  one  day  to  command  others ;  and  having  pradifed 
fmcerity  and  juflice,  ihey  will  be  worthy  of  partaking  of  my 
favours  and  power ;  but  if  they  become  diflblute  and  rebel- 
lious to  government,  they  will  run  the  rifk  of  lofing  all. 
Think,  that  by  acquiring  for  them  my  benevolence,  you 
leave  your  children  the  fureft  and  greatefl  inheritance;  but 
believe  thofe  the  mofl  miferable  and  wretched  of  all  man- 
kind, who  are  faithlefs  to  their  patrons  and  fuperiors ;  for 
fuch  muft  be  continually  full  of  fear  and  fufpicion,' and 
heitlier  trufl  to  friends  or  enemies.     Do  not  emulate  thofe 

who 


46         The    ORATIONS 

Who  amafs  the  grcateft  fums  ;  but  thofe  who  have  a  clear^ 
inofFenfive  confcience :  for,  with  fuch  a  mind,  every  one 
muft  pafs  their  lives  the  moft  agreeably  that  is  polTible. 
Never  think  that  vice  can  ever  gain  the  advantage  of  virtue, 
while  it  is  juftly  always  liable  to  contempt;  nay,  as  you 
iind  the  unatiimous  confent  of  mankind  gives  names,  be* 
lieve  that  fuch  are,  from  their  own  experience,  the  nature 
of  things.  Envy  not  my  chofen  and  diftinguifhcd  friends  ; 
but  endeavour,  by  merit  and  induftry,  to  be  equalled  with 
them.  Bring  yourfelves  to  love  and  efteem  whom  your 
king  diftinguilhes  by  his  judgment  and  favour,  that  you 
may  obtain  the  fame  honours  from  him.  What  you  would 
fay  before  me,  think  in  my  abfence.  Shew  your  gratitude 
to  me  in  adlicns,  rather  than  in  words.  What  you  would 
be  provoked  at,  did  you  fufFer  it,  never  do  to  others.  Ne- 
ver do  what  you  opeiily  blame.  Think  your  fortune  will 
be  fuch  as  you  wilh  mine.  Not  only  praife  the  good,  but 
imitate  them.  Efteem  my  words  fo  many  laws  :  endeavour 
to  put  them  in  pra«51:ice  -,  and  be  perfuaded,  that  thofe  who 
do  this,  fhall  enjoy  all  the  convcniencies  of  life. 

The  fum  of  all  I  have  to  fay  is,  fuch  as  you  would  have 
thofe  under  you,  endeavour  diligently  to  make  yourfelves 
towards  me ;  and  if  you  will  do  this,  why  fhould  I  draw 
out  my  difcourfc  in  mentioning  the  certain  confequences  ? 
for,  if  I  behave  niyfelf  as  I  have  hitherto,  and  the  public 
affairs  be  mana-ed  with  the  fame  prudence,  you  will  foon 
fee  your  own  plenty  encrcafed,  and  my  kingdom  inlargedj 
and  your  city  rendered  compleatly  happy.  It  is  certainly 
worthy  of  our  belt  endeavours  to  omit  nothing,  but  to 
embrace  all  labours  and  dangers  for  fo  noble  an  end.  In 
your  power  it  is,  under  my  mild  government,  by  juftice 
and  fidelity,  to  acquire  all  thefc  great  advantages. 


'.■  ♦ 


9:300 


^im: 


THE   ^F-#4-R-^~ 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCRATES, 

CALLED    THE 

PANEGYRIC, 

As  being  addrefled  to 

The  unlverfal  Aflembly  of  all  Greece, 

EXHORTING 

The  Graecians  to  concord,  and  the  undertaking 
jointly  a  war  againft  the  Perfians. 


cs^:^es^^^ige^t.^:^Gs^^^e^ 


r 

/ 


THE 


MiaBMBiawiiiMlMiti  iiiMliiittii JllWBaiigrBiffiitriMffi"ii«iilriim Viiiii  i'liiflii'iMir-  iiiiii  iriTttiMlitiffliHiirTiiinfliitill  i 


{  49  1 


(1  f. 


o? 


The    SUBJECT. 

^T^HIS  is  that  celebrated  oration ^  which  is 
•^  ejleemed  one  of  the  bejl  in  Ifocrates.  Some 
ha^efaid^  that  he  employed  ten^  and  others  ^fifteen 
years  in  the  compofition.  He  encourages  the 
Greeks  to  undertake  a  general  expedition  againfi 
the  PerJia?iSy  and  difputes  with  the  Laccedemo-> 
nians  about  the  right  of  principality.  He  afir?ns^ 
that  all  the  general  advantages  of  Greece  origi-^ 
ginally  came  from  Athens^  andy  upon  that  account^ 
it  had  ajuji  claim  to  precedency,  BeJideSy  that 
the  Athenians  had  excelled  all  the  Grcecians  in 
the  demonjlration  they  gave  of  their  courage  in 
different  dangerous  wars.  Lajlly^  turning  to  the 
judges y  he  faySy  refiedi  candidly  if  I  can  be  faid 
to  corrupt  youths  who  exhort  them  to  the  mofl 
heroic  virtues^  fet  before  them  the  noble  actions 
of  their  ancejlors^  a?id  endeavour  to  enflame  them 
with  a  love  of  their  country.  Infine^  this  ora- 
tion is  laboured  with  the  ut?noJt  arty  and  exaSl^ 
nefs  of  the  rides  of  eloquence. 


>■*» 


( 


i 


THE    FOURTH 


^ 


.  ^t 


Oration  of  IsocratesL'^^ 


CALLED    THE 


PAN  E  G  Y  R  I   C, 

As  being  Addressed  to  the    . 

JJnIverfal  Assembly  of  all  Greece  :  "* 

EXHORTING    THE 

Grecians  to  Concord,  and  the  undertaking^. 
jointly  a  War  againft  the  P  e  r  s  i  a  n  s.        \ 

I  Have  often  wondered,  that  t^ofe  who  have  made  po- 
pular aflemblies,  and  appointed  public  games,  fhould  - 
have  fo  greatly  rewarded  the  excellency  and  good 
hatit  of  the  body,  but  paid  no  honours  to  fuch  as,  in'' 
a  private  capacity,  confulted  the  happinefs  of  the  ftate, 
and  fo  prepared  their  minds,  that  they  became  an  univer-  ' 
fal  benefit  to  their  commonwealths  :  of  whom,  certainly,  a^t 
far  greater  account  ought  to  have  been  made  by  republic^* 
and  kingdoms.     For  were  combatants  twice  as  ftrong  in 
body  as  they  are,  no  advantage  would  redound  by  it  t& 
others ;  but  if  one  man  perfecSh  his  mind  by  philofophy, '' 
all  that  are  willing  may  be  benefited  by  his  knowledge  aii^' 
prudence.     Yet  I  was  not  difcouraged  by  this  common  mS^'^ 
juftice  and  neglea;    but,  judging  that  fuWequent  glory ^ 

^  would 


V  / 


'$&         The    O  R  A  Til  O  N  S 

ivould  be  a  fufficient  reward  of  my  labour,  in  compofing- 
this  oration,  I  have  ventured  to  give  my  advice  about  en- 
tering into  a  war  with  the  Barbarians^  and  making  a  firm* 
alliance  among  ourfelves.     Nor  am  I  ignorant,  that  many; 
who  profelTcd  wildom  and  learning,  have  handled  this  fub^ 
jcdl  before  me ;  but  I  hope  fo  far  to  excel  them,  as  to  make 
ivhat  they  have  faid  appear  little  or  nothing  to  the  purpofe, 
'And  I  judge  thofet^i^urfcs  to  be  the  npbieftancj  ii?oJ: 
worthy  of  public  attention,  which  have  the  moft  intereft- 
jng  fubjeds,  declare  moft  manifefljy .  the  ability  of  the 
fpeaker,  and  bring  the  greateft  advantage  to  the  hearers ;  of 
which  cham£leirT|p  the- prefenr  (jifcoojfe.     Bcfidcs^I  judga 
likfewife,  tnat  tti^  favourable  opportunities' of  timt  ^e  nor 
pafTed ;  fo  that  it  is  needlefs  to  fpeak  of  them :  for  I  think, 
that  orators  {hoiild  Ccafe  fpeaking,  when  either  aiFairs  arc 
come  to  their  natural  conclufion  and  end,  and  when  coi^ 
fel  about  them  ^oiiM-be  fruitlef^,  or  that  others  had  'rf)okCTi 
fo  efficacioufly,  that  they  had  left  no  poflibility  of  furpaf- 
fmg  their  reafonings'and  fcntiments.  fiut  while  things  con- 
tinue in  the-like  fituation,  and  all  pubUflied  orations  on  t))ie 
topic  are  very  imperfe£^,  why  fhould  I  not  attempt  fuch  an 
harangue,  as,  if  compleat^ - ortccv  and  finiihed,  wflit.free 
us  from  mutual  unnatural  war,  put  aji  end  to  our  prefent 
troubles  aiid  diford^/s,  a^  fecure  u&  againft  the  greateft 
calamities  ?     Befides,  was  it  impoflible  to  fpeak  of  publfc 
affairs  and  interefts  but  in  one  finglq  manner,  and  thei^^  welt 
not  different  characters  of  eloquence,  it  might  caufe  juft 
fufpicion,  that  it  was  fuperfluous,  by  imitating  others,  to 
give  new  trouble  to  the  hearers,  /f  But  as  eloquence  haS'  tjie 
power  to  fpeak  appoTitely  and  feveral  times  upon  the  fame 
fubje£l,  can  make  what  is  great  and  arduous  appear  little 
'and  eafy,  can  give  magnificence^  in  fome  manner,  to  what 
is  low  and  common,  can  even  impart  an  appearance  of  ikh 
veltyy  by  happy  modes  of  expreilion^  to  thoughts  and  in* 
vontion  that  are  trite  and  old,  and  give  the  air  of  antiquity 
to  what  is  modern  and  new  ;  I  judged  I  ought  not  to  be 
i^m^d  from  my  enterprizeKl  acknowledge  my  fubje^  is 

not 


Of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S. 


5« 


1 


"f 


fj) 


»* 


not  new ;  but  I  wiH  endeavour  to  furpafs,  upon  this  topic, 
all  the  orators  who  have  gone  before  me.     Paff  a<Sbions  are 
tranfmittcd  to  pofterity  as  equally  common  themes  for  all  ; 
but,  to  ufe  them  properly  as  examples  and  patterns,  to 
think  judicioufly  of  them,  and  clothe  our  ideas  in  elegant 
exprcflion,  this  is  the  property  only  of  the  wife  and  elo- 
quent.    And  I  think,  that  all  other  arts  and  fciences,  as 
Well  as  philofophic  eloquence,  would  receive  the  higheft 
improvement,  if  not  thofe  who  iirft  have  written  or  fpoken 
dn  a  fubjedlj  be  praifed  and  admired ;  but  fuch  only  as  have 
finifhed,  in  the  beft  manner,  their  writings  or  orations : 
not  thofe,  who  endeavour  to  treat  of  what  no  one  before 
has  ever  fpoke  of,  but  fuch  as  know  how  to  exprefs  them* 
lelves  with  more  grandeur  and  propriety  than  any  others* 
Some  blame  orations  which  are  above  the  common  ftandard 
of  the  vulgar,  and  are  laboured  to  a  degree  of  abfolute  per- 
fecSlion.     They  are  fo  greatly  miftaken,  as  to  meafure  them 
by  fuch  as  are  fpoken  on  occafion  of  private  contradls,  and 
points  of  law ;  as  if  there  was  not  a  wide  difference  in 
thefe  two  kinds  of  oratory ;  ,one  of  which  has  in  view  cau- 
tionary pleadings,   and  the,Qther,  parade  and  oftentation  ; 
and  as  if  it  docs  not  always  follow,  that  he  who  can  fpeak 
accurately,  can  alfo  exprefs  himfelf  in  the  plain  language 
of  men  of  bufinefs.     It  is  very  plain,  that  fuch  men  praife 
only  thofe  whom  they  judge  themfelves  capable  of  imitat-* 
ing.     But  I  addrefs  not  my  words  to  fuch  who  are  eafily 
contented)  but  to  thofe  who  are  difficult,  and  require,  in 
my  orations,  fomething  which  they  cannot  find  in  the  dif- 
courfes  of  others.     Nor  will  I  enter  on  the  fubjed  of  my» 
difcourfe,  till  I  have  fpoken  concerning  myMf,  perhaps,  in  « 
ftill  higher  ftrain  of  vanity.  I  have  obferved  fome,  in  the  be- 
ginning of  their  difcourfes,  endeavouring  to  win  the  favour 
of  their  hearers,  and  making  apologies  for  their  orations. 
Some  I  have  heard  affirm,  that  their  performances  were  ex*- 
temporaneous ;  others  I  have  known  to  mention  the  diffi- 
culty  of  equalling,  with  eloquence,  the  dignity  of  theif 
ftibjea.     But,  on  the  contrary,  if  I  do  not  worthily  handle 

E  2  jxiy 


t 


52         The    ORATIONS 

my  topic,  and  anfwer  the  hearers  expectation,  from  my 
own  capacity,  and  the  time  not  only  that  I  have  employed 
in  the  compofition,  but  that  of  my  whole  life :  if  I  do  not 
anfwer  fully,  I  (ay,  whatever  is  expelled  from  me,  in  thefe 
refpecfbs,  I  will  not  refufe  to  be  allowed  no  excufe,  but  be 
juftly  fcorned  and  laughed  at  by  all  this  aflembly  :  for  I 
(hall  certainly  deferve  this,  if,  having  made  fuch  a  general 
promife,  I  fhould,  in  nothing,  excel  the  performances  of 
others.  And  this  is  all  I  thought  proper  to  premife  con- 
cerning myfelf.  Thofe  who  fpeak  of  public  affairs  in  fuch 
an  afTembly  as  this,  immediately  in  the  beginning  of  their 
orations,  inform  their  hearers,  that,  omitting  all  inteftinc 
quarrels,  they  ought,  in  alliance,  to  turn  their  arms  againft 
the  Perfians ;  and,  to  this  end,  number  over  the  calamities 
which  arife  from  mutual  wars,  and  the  great  advantages 
which  will  accrue  from  an  inroad  into  the  enemy's  country  ; 
they  fay  indeed  the  truth,  but  do  not  lay  the  foundation  of 
their  difcourfe  upon  that  folid  bafis,  which  would  anfwer 
fully  their  intention:  for  fome  parts  of  Greece  is  depen- 
dent on  us,  and  other  parts  of  it  on  the  Lacedaemonians. 
The  different  forms  of  government  have,  in  this  manner, 
diftin^ifhed  them.  Whoever  thinks  that  the  reft  of  Greece 
will  unite  in  the  common  caufe,  before  the  principal  cities 
are  friend&,  (hews  great  fimplicity,  and  is  quite  ignorant 
of  public  affairs.  But  it  becomes  thofe  who  make  not  only 
pompous  difcouffes,  but  arc  willing  alfo  to  fee  fomfe  good 
fffe^Sb  produced  by  them,  to  fcek  lor  tho(e  reafons,  which 
niay  pcrfuade  the  two  leading  cities  to  be  contented  with 
equality,  and  di.yjde  the  fupreme  command  :  in  a  word,  to 
gain  thofe  advantages  over  the  Barbarians,  that  they  now 
endeavour  to  gain  over  the  reft  of  Greece,  It  would  be  no 
difficulty  to  brii>g  our  city  to  a  juit  compofition ;  but  it 
will  be  more  difficult  to  perfuade  the  Lacedaemonians :  for 
tney  have  entertained  a  falfc  opinion,  that  the  fupremacy 
r  r  Greece  is  theif  natural  right  and  property.  But  fhouid 
any  oijie  be  able  to  convince  their  prejudice,  that  this  ho* 
ftpur  belongs  rather  to  our  city  than  theirs,  they  Would  lay 
v-^j  •  afide 


.  ♦ 


•I' 


^        > 


1 


/ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         53 

afide  jealous  difputes,  and  concur  in  the  common  good. 
Others  therefore  ought  to  have  begun  here,  and  not  have 
given  advice  about  what  was  allowed  by  all  before,  but 
have  reconciled  thefe  fatal  differences.     I  fhall,  in  this 
view,  for  the  common  good,  employ  the  chief  part  of  my 
difcourfe  to  this  end,  that  I  may  gain  this  point,  may  pro- 
mote the  general  intereft,  and,  after  I  have  healed  our  in- 
teftine  quarrels,  perfuade  us  to  a  confederate  war  againft 
tyranny,  and  the  common  enemy.     But  if  this  fhould  be 
impraaicable,  that  I  may  fhew  who  are  the  impediment  of 
fo  much  good  to  Greece,  and  make  it  manifeft  to  all,  that, 
in  former  ages,  our  city  governed  by  vfca^^nd  even  now 
claims,  without  injuftice,  a  national  precedency.  For  this  I 
fhall  make  evident,  that  if  it  is  juft,  that  every  one  fhould 
moft  honoured  in  regard  of  what  he  has  had  the  moft  expe- 
rience of,  and  is  the  beft  qualified  for,  then  indifputably 
we  have  a  right  to  the  chief  command,  which  we  formerly 
enjoyed  by  common  confcnt :  for  none  will  ever  fhcw  me 
a  city  which  has  fo  excelled  in  land-wars,  as  ours  has  done 
in  the  greateft  dangers  by  fea,  for  the  common  caufe  of 
Greece.     But  fhould  this  not  appear  a  juft  reafon  to  fome, 
becaufe,  m  the  courfe  of  things,  changes  of  power  and 
titles  muft  happen  (no  government  continuing  alwavs  in 
the  fame  ftate) ;  yet  they  will  allow,  at  leaft,  principality, 
or  chief  authority,  like  other  honorary  titles,  to  be  either 
the  property  of  the  firft  pofTcffors,  or  of  thofe  who  have 
been  eminently  the  diftinguifhed  benefadlors  of  Greece, 
I  perfuade  my{c\i\  that,  in  all  thefe  regards,  we  have  the 
advantage :  for  the  farther  any  one  examines  into  this,-  the     ' 
more  vifibly  we  fhall  lea^e  our  opponents  behind  us  in  their 
pretenfions.     It  is  acknowledged  by  all,  that  our  city  is 
the  ancienteft,    the  largeft,  and  the  moli  renowned  of  "i. 
Greece.     Ajid  though  this  is  the  nobleft  foundation  for 
honour,  we  have  ftill  farther  pretenfions  to  it,  for  the  fol- 
lowing reafons :  We  poffelJj,  I  affirm,  this  territory  with- 
out the  expulfion  of  others;  we  neither  found  it  at  firft  de- 
krty  nor  were  mixed  of  feveral  colleaed  natioxus  but.  as 

^  3  natU' 


54         The    ORATIONS 

naturally  as  glorioufiy,  had  our  origin  from  this  very  part 
\  of  the  earth  which  we  now  inhabit;  and  therefore  may 
'  luftly  be  called  the  lawful  natives  of  the  place  from  the  hrlt 
order  of  the  primeval  world  :  and  we  may  reafonably  give 
our  city  the  deareft  names  of  relation  ;  for  we  alon^,  cA  all 
the  Greeks,  may  call  our  country  our  nourifher,  our  na- 
live  foil,  and  mother.  Now  it  certainly  becomes  thofe, 
who,  without  a  blufh,  can  glory  in  their  original,  to  put  m 
a  reafonable  plea  for  chief  authority,  frequently  boaft  of 
their  paternal  titles,  as  they  are  able  to  appeal  to  all  hiftory 
for  the  truth  of  fuch  a  noble  beginning.  The  grandeur  of 
our  nation,  I  affirm  it  again,  and  the  privileges  of  fortune, 
in  the  original  of  our  flate,  give  us  no  lefs  caufe,  than  1 
have  mentioned,  of  juft  glory,  and  lofty  fentiments. 

But,  to  prove  the  glorious  benefadions  of  our  ancef- 
tors    we  muft  examine  into  the  periods  of  time  from  the 
beginning,  and  give  the  hiftory  of  our  political  aaions: 
for  we  fhall,  by  this  means,  find  our  city  the  mventor  of 
all  the  advantages  and  preparations  of  war,  and  almoft  the 
fource  of  every  art  and  fcience,  by  which  our  lives  and 
ftates  are  rendered  more  happy  and  fecure.     But  I  fhall  not 
mention  the  lefTer  benefits  received  from  our  nation,  which 
time  (as  being  of  lefs  moment)  has  obfcured  ;  but  fuch  as, 
on  account  of  their  excellency,  are  mentioned  in  hiftory, 
allowed  and  praifed  by  all  men.     I  afTert  it,  that  what  both 
Greece  and  human  kind  ftand  chiefly  in  need  of,  was  firft 
known  and  made  common  by  our  city ;  and  though  this 
may  feem  fabulous,  by  its  antiquity,  yet  it  is  proper  to  be 
mentioned  here :  for  Ceres  coming  into  our  country,  when 
fhe  followed  her  raviftied  daughter,  and  being  benevolently 
difpofed  towards  our  anceftors  for  their  hofpitality  (but  the 
particulars  are  unlawful  to  be  told,  except  to  the  initiated) 
fhe  gave  them  two  gifts,  which  are  of  the  nobleft  nature  j 
the  art  of  propagating  corn,  and  covering  the  fields  every 
year  with  rich  harvefts,  which  drew  mankind  fifom  a  favage 
life :  fhe  iikewife  taught  them  her  facred  myfteries,  which 
\y^oever  are  initiated  in,  have  good  hopes  in  regard  of  life, 

death. 


>j  •■ 


I 

1 


,i. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        1^5 

ckHith,  and  all  futuriiJy.     Now  our  city  was  not  only  grate- 
ful to  the  gods,  but  fuch  a  lover  of  mankind,  that,  poflefTed 
of  fuch  fuperior  happinefs,  it  envied  not  this  felicity  to 
others,  but  made  all  partakers  of  its  privileges  ;  and  even 
now  we  have  of  this  an  annual  remembrance.     I  have  ac- 
quainted you  with  the  benefits,  the  advantages,  and  public 
goods,  which  have  accrued  from  our  anceftors ;  but  if  any 
one  is  yet  diffident  of  what  I  have  faid,  When  I  have  added 
a  few  more  circumftances,  I  dare  fay  no  one  will  be  fo  uii- 
reafonable  as  to  doubt  of  it :  for,  in  the  firft  place,  if  anti- 
quity feems  liable  to  uncertainty,  we  fhould  the  rather,  oh 
account  of  antient  report,  believe  the  a<5l:ions  to  have  hap- 
pened ;  fince  that  the  more  perfons  have  heard  and  fpoken 
of  them,  tho'they  are  not  of  modern  date,  we  fhould  judge 
them  more  credible  fof  the  number  of  atteftatcrt'S.     But  we 
are  not  compelled  to  have  recourfe  only  to  antiquity  for  a 
proof;  we  may  judge  of  this  verity  by  a  furer  criterion: 
for  moft  of  the  Grecian  cities,  as  a  remembrance  of  our 
former  beneficence  to  them,  fend  us  annually  the  firft- 
fruits  of  their  harvefts;  and  the  Pythian  Oracle,  on  ac- 
count of  fome  negledling  this  duty,  has  ordered  them  to 
fend  in  their  proportions,  and  difcharge  themfelves  towards 
our  city  of  an  antient  cuftomary  acknowledgment,    NoW 
what  can  gain  credit  with  us,  if  the  legality  of  a  public 
right  does  not,  which  an  Oracle  confirms,  and  the  greatefl 
part  of  Greece  allows;  in  refpe6l  of  which,  antient  rame 
Agrees  with  prefent  fa<Sl:,  and  the  pradlice  of  feveral  cities 
ratifies  it  by  example?     But,  fetting  afide  all  that  I  have 
been  faying,  we  fhall  find,  by  hiftory,  that  the  firft  of  man*  t 
kind  did  not  enjoy  all  the  prefent  commodities  of  human 
life,  but,  by  degrees,  through  induftry  and  invention,  pro-i- 
cured  themfelves  its  prefent  conveniencies.     Now  who  are 
more  likely,  either  gratuitoufly  to  have  received  them  from 
the  gods,  or  to  have  found  them  out  of  thenifelves  ?    Shall 
we  fuppofe  any  othen,  than  thofe  who  are  allowed  by  aH^ 
to  have  been  the  firft,  the  moft  ingenious  by  nature,  moft 
religious  and  grateful  towards  the  gods  ?    What  honouw 

£  4  thcp 


56         The    ORATIONS 

then  the  authors  of  the  fore-mentioned  benefits  deferve,  I 
think  it  ncedlefs  here  to  inform  your  equity  and  wifdom  ; 
for  certainly  nothing  can  equal  fuch  great  obligations.  Ye 
therefore,  I  fay,  have  thefe  glorious  proofs  to  give  of  the 
greateft,  the  firft,  and  moft  univerfal  of  all  human  bene- 
factions. 

In  the  fame  time,  or  near  it,  our  city  faw  the  Barbarians 
in  pofleiTion  of  the  largell  territories,  the  Greeks  inclofed 
in  a  narrow  fpace,  and,  upon  account  of  its  narrov^^nefs, 
laying  ambufcades  for  one  another,  raifmg  armies,  and 
either  perifhing  by  famine,  or  in  battle.     Upon  this  occa- 
fion,  Athens  did  not  negle6t  the  public  intereft,  but  fent  to 
neighbouring  cities  fkilful  leaders,  who,  colleaing  the  moft 
indigent,  and  becoming  their  generals,  conquered  the  Bar- 
barians in  battle,  and  built  feveral  cities  on  both  fides  of 
the  continent,  peopled  all  the  iflands,  and  faved  both  thofe 
"who  followed  them,  and  thofe  who  (laid  behind  in  their 
own  country  :  for  they  left  the  latter  fuificient  land  to  cul- 
tivate, and  they  gained,  for  the  firft,  more  than  they  had 
been  pofTefTed  of.     In  a  word,  they  feized,  by  their  courage 
and  bravery,  on  all  that  compafs  of  ground,  which  Greece 
now  poflefTes  i  fo  that  to  thofe  who  came  after,  and  had  a 
mind  to  imitate  their  example,  they  made  the  undertaking 
ver)'  eafy :  for  they  needed  not  to  expofe  their  lives  for  a 
new  acquifition,  but  go  and  pofTefs  what  lands  were  already 
fref^^  from  enemies.    And  who  now  can  fhew  a  precedency 
jufter  than  this,  which  was  eftabliftied  before  many  of  the 
Grecian  cities  were  built ;  or  more  commonly  beneficial, 
than  what  was  the  deftru^ion  of  the  Barbarians,  and  caufe 
of  liberty  and  plenty  to  the  Grecians  ?     Nor,  though  our 
city  excelled  others  by  the  glory  of  its  aaions,  did  it  de- 
fpife  the  reft  of  Greece  ;  but  made  the  beginning  of  its  be- 
neficence, providing  the  neceflaries  of  life,  which  muft  be 
the  foundation  of  all  the  added  pleafures  and  advantages  of 
it.     And  judging  mere  neceflaries  not  fufficient  to  make  life 
eligible,  our  city  took  fuch  care  for  the  reft,  that  none  of 
4II  the  goods,  wliich  are  not  the  gifts  only  of  the  gods,  but 
-  the 


j« 

* 

■ 

1 

>  M 

r 
i 

1 


N 


i 


\ 


» 


i 


oflSOCRATES.        57 

.the  effefts  of  fociety,  have  been  acquired  without  our  city, 

but  the  moft,  and  greateft  of  them,  by  its  induftry  and  m- 

vention:  for,  finding  the  Greeks  living  without  law,  and 

fcattered  in  the  country,  feme  of  them  oppreffed  by  the     , 

nobles,  and  others  ruined  by  anarchy,  Athens  freed  them 

from  thefe  calamities,  conquering  tyrants,  and  propoling 

itfelf  an  example  of  a  moderate  government  to  all ;  for  it 

was  our  city  which  firft  eftabliflied  laws,  and  fettled  an 

equitable  commonwealth.     This  is  evident  hence:  thofe 

who  at  firft  accufed  others  of  murder,  and  were  w.lhng 

that  judgment  fhould  be  given  according  to  equity  and  jul- 

tice,  not  determined  by  violence,  fought  a  folution  of  thefe 

cafes  in  our  laws.  ^ 

And,  indeed,  in  refpea  of  thofe  arts  wh.ch  are  necef- 
fary  for  life,  as  well  as  thofe  that  were  invented  for  the 
pleafure  of  it,  you  will  find,  that  our  city,  either  as  the 
inventor  or  improver,  communicated  them  to  others.     i« 
other  ceconomy  of  government  likewife  was  humane,  hof- 
pitable,  and  equitable  towards  all ;  for  it  accommodated  it- 
felf not  only  to  fuch  as  were  in  neceffity,  but  fuch  l.kcw.fe 
as  would  enjoy  in  freedom  their  acquired  poffeffions ;  nor 
was  it  improper  either  for  the  happy  or  diftreffed  to  take 
refugt  under,  but  made  it  eligible  for  both  to  live  with  us, 
either  as  feeking  the  fecurity  of  their  juft  pleafure,  or  an 
afvlum  in  calanyty.     Befides,  our  city  finding  the  country 
not  plentiful  enough  in  all  fruits,  but  abounding  in  fome, 
and  deficient  in  others,  and  that  there  was  need  of  export- 
in-  fome,  and  importing  others,  fhe  remedied  alfo  this  evil ; 
for^fhe  made  the  Pyrsus,  as  it  were,  a  common  mart  m 
the  midft  of  all  Greece,  which  had  fuch  variety  of  necef- 
faries  and  merchandize,  that  what  was  difficult  to  be  found 
fingle  in  other  places,  it  was  eafy  to  find  here  in  the  greateft 

''''now  they  certainly  deferve  pralfe,  who  have  inftituted 
public  affemblies,  becaufe  they  have  introduced  a  cuftom, 
whereby,  as  in  common  league,  and  laying  afide  a  1  enmi- 
ties, we  might  meet  together  in  national  amity  and  fr^d- 


% 


V) 


1  ?l 


lt>     I 


i. 


\' 


I 


58         the    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

fbip;  and  thus  ofFcrkg  common  prayers  and  facrificw,  r(*- 
member  our  mutual  confanguinit}',  be  more  kindJy  difpof- 
eJ  towards  one  another,  renew  our  former  hofpitaiities, 
contradt  new  friend£hips,  nor  fuffer  this  meeting  to  be  un- 
profitable either  to  the  lowcft  or  higheft  clafs  of  citizens  i 
bwt,  in  this  univerfal  conflux  of  Greece,  let  the  rich  and 
nobles  have  an  opportunity  of  difplaying  their  happinefs 
and  magnificence,  and  the  lower  rank,  of  feeing  them  con- 
tend for  glory,  and  emulate  each  others  virtues.     Thus 
none  are  deprived  of  a  fhare  in  the  common  plcafures,  but 
fome  are  delighted  in  feeing  the  combatants  ftrive  to  gain 
their  approbation,  and  the  combatants  pleafed  to  fee  all  af- 
fembled  to  behold  their  performances.    Now  fuch  being  the 
high  privileges  of  univer{al  aflemblies  in  a  nation,  our  city 
lias  not  yielded  to  others  in  this  regard  -,  for  it  has  inflituted 
feveraJ  moft  glorious  and  noWe  fhews,  fome  diftinguifhed 
by  fplendor  and  expence,  others  by  liberal  arts  and  proofs 
of  eloquence,  and,    finally,    fome  by  a  mixture  of  both 
thefe  advantages.     The  multitude,  which,  on  thofe  occa* 
fions,  come  to  us,  is  fo  great,  that  whatever  pleafure  can 
ije  received  from  general  company,  is  abundantly  found  in 
©urcity  and  country.     Here  we  may  meet  with  the  firmefl: 
and  moft  generous  friendfhips,  and  all  the  variety  of  Agree- 
able ccnverfation :  here  we  may   fee  the  noblcft  athletic 
games,  and  trials  not  only  of  flrength  or  fwiftn efs,  but 
bear  proofs  of  the  moft  confummate  reafon  and  eloquence  ; 
in  fhort,  Ve  may  fee  all  manly  qualities,  and  proportioned 
It  wards  for  them:  for,  befides  her  own  gifts,  Athens  per- 
fuades  other  cities  to  join  in  generofity ;  and  whatever  fhc 
judges  conducive  to  public  good,  receives  praife  and  appro- 
bation from  all  mankind.   Befides,  1  further  add  this,  that 
the  aflemblies,  made  after  long  fpaces  of  time  by  other  ci- 
ties, are  fcarce  fooner  met,  than  they  are  diflblved ;  but 
whoever  comes  to  our  city,  finds  in  it,  as  it  were,  a  per- 
petual fucceflive  afiembly  from  all  the  parts  of  Greece. 

Now,  that  genuine  philofophy,  which  found  out  all  thefe 
advantages,  facilitated  the  means  of  acquiring  them,  taught 

us 


\ 


\."H 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        59* 

us  the  rules  of  humanity,  and  rendercd  »s  fociable  to  one 
ajiother,  removed  the  calamities  we  fuffer  either  from  ig-' 
norance  or  neceflky,  and  informed  ^s  how  to  fhun  the 
one,  and  bear  wifely  the  other ;  that  philofophy,  I  fay," 
was  certainly  the  invention  of  our  city,  vi^ich  always  cul- 
tivated that  perfection  of  our  reafon,  which  all  men  defire, 
but  too  many  envy  in  thofe  who  arc  pofTefled  of  it  i  for 
our  city  was  not  ignorant,  that  this  is  the  noble  faculty  by 
which  we  are  diftinguifhed  from  beafts  ;  and  that,  by  our* 
excellency  in  this,  we  have  gained  the  advantage  over  them 
in  all  other  things.     She  likewife  obferved,  that,  in  regard' 
of  other  aaions,  the  efteds  were  ftrangely  impeded  often- 
times,  or  difordered  by  fortune;  fo  that  frequently  the 
wife  are  fruftrated,  and  the  imprudent  and  rafti  fuccefsful : 
but,  on  the  contrary,  that  eloquence  and  philofophic  dif- 
courfes  are  not  to  be  expecled  from  the  ftupid  and  vitious, 
but  from  men  of  improved  genius  and  refined  virtue ;  and 
that  thofe  who  are  efteemed  to  excel  in  wifdom,  are,  by  > 
this  faculty,  the  moft  diftinguifhed  from  the  grovelling-' 
minded  and  the  ignorant:  that,  likewife,  thofe  who  are 
liberally  educated,  are  not  fo  much  admired  for  their  cou- 
rage, riches,  or  any  other  fuch  advantages,  as  they  are 
rendered  famous  by  the  art  of  fpeaking,  and  the  ftrength  of 
their  reafon.     This  is  the  fureft  evidence  of  a  man's  edu-- 
cation;  and  thofe  who  exceed  others  in  eloquence  and  ) 
knowledge,  are  not  only  powerful  in  their  refpe6live  ci- 
ties,  but  likewife  have  great  honour  every-where.     Now,^ 
our  city  has  fo  far  furpafied  all  the  reft  of  mankind  in  po- 
litical prudence,  and  artful  perfuafion,  that  thofe  ^ho  were 
the  difciples  of  our  philofophers,  have  become  matters  to  . 
other  people  ;  nay,  our  city  has  been  the  occafion,  that  the 
name  of  a  Grecian  no  longer  feems  to  be  the  mark  of  a    y 
nation,  but  of  good  fenfe  and  underftanding :  thofe  are    A 
called  Greeks  that  have  had  the  advantage  of  our  educa- 
tion, rather  than  the  natives  of  Greece. 

But  that  I  may  not  feem  to  dwell  upon  particulars,when 
I  have  promifed  to  fpeak  of  the  fum  of  affairs,  nor  praife 

our 


■£*»,!* 


6o         The    ORATIONS 

our  city  from  thefe  topics,  becaufe  I  have  not  '  ffic'ent 
matter  for  doing  fo,  onaccount  of  its  glory  and  ..ftinaion 
m  war,  let  this  I  have  faid  fuffice  to  thofe  who  admire  the 
excellencies  I  have  hitherto  mentioned:  I  judge,  notwith- 
ftanding,  that  our  anceftors  deferve  no  lefs  honour  and 
dleem  for  their  heroic  actions,  and  voluntary  dangers  for 
the  public  good  in  war,  than  on  account  of  their  general 
beneficence  to  all  Greece  5  for  they  have  not  undergone 
either  fmall,  common,  or  ignoble  hazards ;  on  the  con- 
trary, great,  noble,  and  dreadful  conflids,  fome  for  their 
own  country,  and  fome  for  the  liberty  of  other  ftates. 
1  hey  have  ever  communicated  the  happinefs  of  their  city 
to  others,  and  revenged,  at  their  own  e^^^nce  and  danger, 
the  infults  and  injuries  done  to  the  Grecians ;  infomuch 
that  fome  have  accufed  our  city  of  imprudence,  for  patro- 
nizing the  weaker,  not  perceiving  that  they  highly  praife 
«s  by  this  imputation  :  for  it  was  not  our  ignorance  of  what 
advantages  accrue  from  ftroiig  alliances,  that  made  us  acSt 
in  this  n.anner;  but  though  we  underftood  better  than  any 
men  the  confequences  of  fuperior  power,  yet  we  cliofe  ra- 
ther to  affift  the  weak,  even  to  our  own  detriment,  than 
join  with  the  ftrong,  to  promote  injuftice  and  oppreiTion, 
though  we  might  have  been  the  gainers  by  fuch  a  conduft. 
Any  one  may  know  the  manners  and  ftrength  of  our  city 
by  the  embaffies  and  fupplications  which  have  been  fent  • 
but  I  fliall  pafs  over  fuch   as  have  been  fcnt  us  latelv,  or 
upon  fmall  occafions. 

But  long  before  the  Trojan  times  '(for  it  is  proper  to 
begin  from  thence,  in  a  difpute  of  tif  s  nature),  the  defen- 
dants of  Hercules  came  to  our  city,'  and,  a  little  while  be- 
fore them,  Adraftus  the  fon  of  Talaus,  who  was  king  of 
Argos.  He,  having  met  with  adve.fity  in  the  war  at 
Thebes,  and  not  able  to  carry  oft  and  bury  thofe  that  lay 
ffam  under  the  Cadmian  citadel,  intrcated  our  city  to  take 
part  in  the  common  diftrelTes  of  human  nature,  nor  ne- 
gled  thofe  who  had  fallen  by  the  chance  of  war,  or  per- 
mit them  to  lie  unburied,  and  thus  let  fo  antient,  na- . 

tionat. 


\ 


J! 


i 


7 


I 


H  I-  V 


i 


:.'«s-'- 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        6r 

tional    and  religious  a  rite  be  broken  through.    As  for 
the  defcendants  of  Hercules  flying  from  the  perfecution  of 
S     T'  =^^"°'^^g^'-ding  other  cities,  as  incapable  of 
aflifting  them,  but  judging  our  city  alone  ftrong  and  <rene- 
rous  enough  to  fhewher  gratitude  for  thofe  bei;efit;  where-- 
by  their  father  had  obliged  all  mankind,  they  fued  for  the 
patronage  of  Ajhens  alone  againft  oppreflion  and  violence. 
From  hence  it  is  evident, 'that,  even  in  that  time,  our  citv 
had  a  diftiagt«fted  honour,  and  now  puts  not  in  itsclaimL 
without  fohd  ground.,  to  precedency:  for  who  would  ever 
have  recourfe  to  weaker  than  themfelves,  or  to  fuch  as  were 
fubjeaed  to  others,  and  pafs  by  thofe  who  had  thegreateft 
authority  and  power?  efpecially  not  comiri|  about  private' 
affairs  only,  but  a  public  intereft,  which  it  was  notpm- 
teble  any  would  undertake  to  defend,  but  fuch  as  thought 
JemfelvK  worthy  of  being  at  the  head  of  all  Gre«e. 
Wow,  It  IS  clear,  they  were  not  deceived  in  their  expefta- 
tions  from  our  anceftors  ;  for  our  city  entering  into  a  war 
onaccount  of  thofe  who  fell  before  Thebes,  as  well  as  for 
the  proteaion  of  Hercules's  children  againft  Euryfthcus. 
having  attacked  the  firft,  they  obliged  them  to  give  up  thc^ 
dead  bodies,  to  be  decently  buried  by  their  relations  ;  and.' 
upon  the  Peloponnefians  making  an  inroad  into  Attica, 
vith  Euryftheus,   they  met  and  defeated  them;  by  this« 
means  putting  an  end  to  the  tyranny  of  Eu^yftheus  over' 
die  family  of  Hercules.    Though  they  were  juftly  admired 
befor^for  their  noble  anions,  vet  they  became  ftill  more 
glorious  by  fuch  generous  patronage  j  for  they  performed 
lo  efteaually  what  they  had  undertaken,   that  they  caft 
fuch  weight  into  the  balance  of  fortune,  that  he  who  had 
implored  our  fuccour,  having  conquered  his  enemies,  «c. 
quired  whatever  he  had  wiflied  by  our  affiftance.     But  Eu- 
ryftheus,  expefling  to  have  been  fuperior,  being  himfelf  ta- 
ken prifoner,  was  forced  to  become  a  fupplicant  to  our  Go- 
vernment.    And  this  is  worthy  of  obfervation,   that  "he 
who  jurpafied  the  dignity  of  human  nature,  who  was  be- 
gotten by  Jupiter,  and,  while  a  mortal,  had  godlike  ftrength. 

was 


6a 


The    ORATION  S 


Was  yet  oppreflei  and  tyranni'zed  over,  during  life,  by  fiu4 
ryftheus  :  but  no  fooncr  had  the  tyrant  trefpafled  againft  usj 
but  he  met  with  fucb  a  reverfe  of  ibrtune,  that,  falling  in* 
tti  the  hands  of  Hercules's  children,  he  fini/hed  his  life  with 
diihonour.   Tho'  I  could  mention  mtny  khndnefies  and  faJ 
vours  done  to  the  Laced smoniaAs  by  our  countrymen,  yet  t 
have  only  fpoke  of  this ;  for  the  oiFspring  of  Hercules,  the 
anceftors  of  thofe  who  now  reign  inLatedflemon,  taking  op- 
porutnity  from  that  prote<Slion  which  we  had  given  them,  re- 
turned to  Peloponnefus,  poiTefied  then;ifelves  of  Argos,  Lace- 
daemon,  and  Mycenae,  becan^e  founders  of  Sparta,  and  the 
original  and  fource  of  all  the  happiiiefs  the  natives  now  en*^ 
joyi  which  the  Lacedaemonians  ought  never  to  have  forgot*. 
ten,  or  ever  invaded  tjiis  country,  from  which  their  ancef* 
tors  kings,  returning  with  fuccours,  wore  eftablifhed  in 
fuch  great  happinefs  >  nor  have  expofed  this  city  to  danger^ 
which  had  hazarded  fo  much  her  own  tranquillity  for  the 
fons  of  Hercules  ;  nor  granted  royalty  to  his  defccndantsy 
and  endeavoured  to  bring  into  fervitude  the  authors  of  the 
whole  family's  flourifliing  condition  and  liberty.     But  if, 
fetting  afide  generous  benefadions,  we  return  again  to  our 
UtR,  fubje^l,  and  give  the  plaineft  and  ftrongeft  reafons 
which  make  for  my  pofition,  is  it  natural  that  foreigners 
ihould  be  honoured  above  the  original  inhabitants?  that 
thofe  who  have  received  favours,  be  preferred  to  their  be- 
nefa£lors,  and  fupplicants  to  their  protedors  ?  I  can  give  a 
flill  fhorter  demonftration  of  thefe  truths*     Of  all  the  ci- 
ties of  Greece  at  that  time,  Argos,  Thebes,  and  Lacedae- 
mon,  were  the  greateft,  except  ours,  and  now  continue  to 
be  fo.     Now  it  is  certain,  that  our  anceftors  fo  far  excelled 
all  the  other  Greeks,  that  they  fent  their  exprefs  orders  to 
the  Thebans  to  defift  from  war,  in  the  calamity  of  the  Ar- 
gives,  tho'  the  Thebans  were  in  the  very  height  of  their 
power :  but,  in  refpedl  of  Hercules's  children,  after  con- 
quering the  Argives,  and  other  Peloponnefians  in  battle, 
our  city  both  freed  the  citizens  aad  founders  of  Sparta  from 
the  dangers  which  threatned .  them,   on   account  of  an 

haughty 


i 


II 


\ 


( 


of    r  S,  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         63 

liaughty  and  infulting  enemy :  fo  that  I  cannot  poflibly  per- 
ceive how  any  one  can  produce  a  better  plea  for  the  lead- 
incT  authority  in  Greece,  than  fuch  piiblic  univerfal  bene-' 
fits  conferred  on  all. 

It  feems  proper  to  me  here,  that  I  {hould  now  fpeak  of 
thofe  aaions,  which  reflea:  glory  upon  our  anceftors,  for: 
their  bfave  refiftance  of  the  Barbarians ;  efpecially  fmce  I 
have  defigned  this  difcourfe  to  be  an  exhortation  to  all 
Greece^  by  common  confent,  to  make  a  confederate  war^ 
againft  them.     Should  I  here  now  enumerate  all  the  diffi- 
culties and  hazards  of  fuch  a  glorious  enterprize,  I  fhoulct 
draw  out  my  oration  to  an  immoderate  length.     But  I  will 
endeavour,  with  the  fame  brevity  and  clearnefs,  to  explain 
myfelf  about  what  is  moft  momentous,  as  I  have  lately  done 
in  regard  of  the  topics  I  fpoke  of  before.     The  nations, 
who  have  the  moft  extended  power,  are  the  Scythians, 
Thracians,  and  the  Perfians.     Thefe  are  all  of  them  our. 
certain  enemies;  and  our  city  is  conftantly  maligned  and 
expofed  to  danger  by  them.     Now  what  will  be  left  to  my 
opponents  to  pretend,  if  I  prove  that  thofe  Grecians,  who 
could  obtain  equity  from  others  by  their  own  power,  have 
always  humbly  fought  for  the  afliftance  of  our  city ;  and 
that  the  Barbarians  never  entertained  a  defign  of  enflaving 
Greece,  but  they  always  attacked  our  country  firft.     The 
moft  memorable  war  that  has  happened,  was  the  Perfian  : 
and  yet  there  are  to  be  found,  in  antient  hiftory,  no  lefs 
proofs  of  what  I  ailert;  for  when  Greece  Was  as  yet  in  a! 
low  and  obfcure  condition,  the  Thracians,  under  their  ge- 
neral Eumolpus,  the  fon  of  Neptune,  and  the  Scythians,-- 
with  the  Amazons,  daughters  of  the  god  Mars,  made  an 
invafion  on  our  country,  not  indeed  at  the  fame  time,  but 
when  each  of  them  were  abfolute  in  Europe.     Tho'  they 
hated  the  whole  Grecian  nation,  yet  they  found  pretenfions 
of  a  private  quarrel  with  us,  judging,  that,  by  this  means, 
they  (hould  have  only  to  contend  with  one  city,  but  thereby 
make  themfelves  mafters  of  all.     They  did  not,  however, 
fucceed  ;  for  though  they  fought  only  with  our  anceftors, 
yet  they  were  as  entirely  defeated,  as  if  they  had  contended 

with 


\ 


64        The    ORATIONS 

Wicli  all  mankind.     This  is  clear  from  the  calamities  they 
fufFered ;  for  the  hiftory  of  thofc  tranfadlons  would  not 
have  continued  fuch  a  feries  of*  time,  unlefs  this  war  had 
far  exceeded  all  before  it.     It  is  likewifc  faid  of  the  Ama- 
zons, that  not  one  of  them  all  returned  back  again ;  and 
that  thofe  who  remained  behind,  upon  account  of  the  lofs 
here,  were  deprived  of  their  own  kingdom.     As  for  the 
Thracians,  who,  in  that  time,  were  our  immediate  neigh- 
bours, after  this  invafion,  they  left  fo  much  land  behind 
them,  that  there  are  efbblifhed,  in  their  place,  feveral  and 
j^rious  nations,  and  many  large  and  ftrong  cities  are  built 
and  inhabited.     Now,  fuch  inftances  as  thcfe  are  glorious 
pretenfions  for  thofe  who  put  in  a  claim  to  diftinguifhed  ho- 
nours and  authority.  But  of  a  like  nature  with  this  bravery 
(as  was  fitting),  were  thefe  heroes  pofterity's  actions  in  the 
Perfian  war,  raifed  by  Darius  and  Xerxes :  for  this  latter 
war  being  the  greateft  that  has  ever  been  mentioned  in  hif- 
tory, the  moft  dreadful  dangers,  as  it  were  a  deluge  rufhing ' 
in  on  all  fides,  the  enemy,  at  the  fame  time,  perfuading 
themfelves  that  they  were  invincible  by  their  numbers,  their 
allies  likewife  glorying  in  their  ftrength;  our  anceftors  at- 
tacked them  courageouHy,  and,  getting  the  better  of  both> 
were  judged  worthy,  by  all  Greece,  of  the  higheft  honours, 
for  their  zeal  and  fortitude  in  the  common  caufe.     Soon 
after,  they  had  deferred  to  them  the  fovercignty  of  the  fea. 
This  all  Greece  concurred  in,  even  thofe  who  now  endea- 
vour to  deprive  us  of  it.     But  I  would  not  here  have  any 
one  think  that  I  am  ignorant,  that  the  Lacedaemonians, 
at  the  fame  time,   were  authors  of   great  advantages  to 
Greece:  yet,  from  hence,  I  judge  our  city  defervingof  the 
higheli:  praife,  that,  though  flie  had  fuch  noble  antagonifts, 
(he  ftill  gained  fo  far  the  fuperiority  in  public  merit. 

I  SHALL  infift  fomething  longer  upon  the  merits  of  thefc 
two  cities,  and  not  lightly  run  them  over,  that  both  may 
put  us  in  mind  of  our  anceftors  valour  and  virtue,  as  well  as 
our  hereditary  hatred  to  the  Barbarians.  And  let  me  fay 
here,  that  I  am  not  infenfible,  how  difficult  it  is,  for  me, 
who  fpeak  of  things  which  have  been  largely  treated  of  be- 
fore, 


I 


i 


\ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         6s 

fore,  and  this  by  the  moft  eloquent  citizens,  at  public  ho- 
norary burials,  to  exprefs  myfelf  with  fuitable  dignity;  for 
the  moft  diftinguifhed  anions  of  both,  and  worthy  of  praife, 
have  been  already  celebrated  by  others,  and  a  fmall  oppor- 
tunity only  feems  left  to  me  of  adding  any  more  ;  yet  ftill 
I  ought  not  to  omit  what  is  left  me,  but  willingly  embrace 
every  juft  occafion  of  doing  fuch  glorious  rivals  juftice  ; 
fmce  this  will  be  conducive  to  the  public  good,  and  mutual 
emulation.  Now,  I  believe  it  will  be  allowed  by  all,  that  --1  ^ 
thofe  who  have  turned  off"  the  calamities  of  Greece  by  the 
oppofition  of  their  own  bodies,  have  a  title  to  the  higheft 
encomiums  :  nor  is  it  proper  here,  to  pafs  over  in  filence 
thofe  who  lived  before  the  breaking  out  of  this  war,  and 
governed  in  each  city  ;  for  it  was  they  who  exercifed  their 
pofterity  in  virtue,  and  infpired  their  citizens  with  fuch 
noble  thoughts,  as  rendered  them  terrible  antagonifts  to 
the  Barbarians  ;  for  they  did  not  neglecSl  the  public,  nor 
enjoy  its  revenues  as  a  property,  while  they  looked  on  its 
interefts  as  none  of  theirs ;  but  they  took  care  of  them  as 
their  own,  and  abftained  from  making  a  prey  of  their  ci- 
ties treafures,  as  from  what  belonged  to  the  commonwealth 
only  :  nor  did  they  meafure  happinefs  by  gold  ;  but  they 
thought  the  nobleft  and  fafeft  riches  were  the  acquifition  of 
public  love,  and  general  praife,  and  leaving  them  as  an  in- 
heritance to  their  children ;  for  they  envied  not  one  an- 
other's audacioufnefs,  nor  exercifed  mutual  enmities ;  but 
they  thought  it  a  far  greater  evil  to  be  difpraifed  by  their 
citizens,  than  to  lofe,  with  glory,  their  life  for  their  coun- 
try ;  and  they  were  even  more  afhamed  then  for  any  public 
difgraces,  than  we  are  now  for  our  private  infamies  and 
vices.  It  was  by  fuch  a  principle,  that  they  were  as  care- 
ful of  the  laws  and  rules  which  regard  daily  domeftic  duties, 
as  of  thofe  which  are  calculated  for  the  fecurit}^  of  public 
contracts ;  for  they  knew,  that  fuch  as  were  infpired  with 
the  love  of  virtue  and  integrity,  would  not  ftand  in  need 
of  many  writings,  but,  by  a  few  fimple  formulas,  would 
live  in  amity  both  in  regard  of  private  and  public  interefts. 

F  And 


!7S 


66 


The    ORATIONS 


And  they  were  of  that  humane  civil  difpofition,  as  to  con^ 
tend  with  one  another,  not  for  fu periority  by  the  ruin  of 
rivals,  but  who  fhould  have  the  honour  of  mod  benefiting 
the  city^  and  they  made  aflbciations,  not  in  view  of  pri- 
vate advantages,  but  of  doing  good  to  the  populace.  In 
the  fame  noble  defign,  they  confulted  the  happinefs  of 
others,  and  never  infultcd  or  oppreiTed  the  reft  of  the  Gre- 
cians. They  thought  it  was  their  duty  to  condudl:  their  ar- 
I  mies,  and  not  tyrannize  over  them ;  and  they  chofc  rather 
/  to  be  called  their  generals  than  lords,  their  prefervers  than 
^  deftroyers ;  pcrfuading  the  neighbouring  cities  by  friendly 
aiElionsj  not  fubjedling  them  by  force.  They  made  their 
'  words  be  more  lefpedled  and  depended  on>  than  in  our 
asc  we  do  our  mofl:  folemn  oaths ;  and  were  as  religious 
obfervers  of  their  covenants  and  treaties,  as  if  they  were 
the  laws  of  rate  and  nccefiity  :  nor  did  they  pride  them- 
<  felves  in  power,  but  in  living  virtuoufly,  and  being  diftin- 
>  guifhed  by  their  modefly  and  temperance.  They  had  the 
fame  difpofition  towards  the  weaker,  as  they  would  have 
wiflied  the  Wronger  fhould  have  towards  them;  and  though 
they  judged  their  own  city  their  particular  care  and  pro- 
perty, yet  they  thought  all  Greece  their  native  common 
country.  Ii  was  by  thefc  maxims,  and  accuftoming  tha 
youth  to  fikh  principles,  that  they  rendered  their  fons  fuch 
brave  antagonilis  to  the  Afiatics,  that  no  poets  or  orators 
"•^u^ld  ever,  by  their  praifes,  equal  the  glory  of  their  heroic 
actions.  And  I  think  they  deferve  excufe ;  for  it  is  as  dif- 
ficult to  Worthily  praife  thofe  who  have  excelled  all  by  their 
a.!ilion=;,  as  it  would  be  to  reafonably  praife  thofe  who  are 
void  of  all  merit.  In  the  latter,  there  is  no  fubjedl  for  pa- 
negyric, and  the  former,  by  their  divine  virtues,  fufpafs  all 
eloquence ;  for  liow  can  they  even  be  compared  witli  thofe 
(if  we  would  not  injure  them)  who  fought  before  Troy? 
for  thefe  beficgcd  one  city,  in  a  lingering  war,  ten  years  ; 
but  their  poikiity  overthrew  the  collected  forces  of  all  Afia 
in  a  (hort  time  :  nor  only  faved  their  own  cities,  but  reco- 
vered  the  liberty  of  all  Greece.     What  muft  we  think  their 

virtues 


MB.' 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         67 

Virtues  and  labours  to  have  been,  that  they  might  be  praifed 
living,  when  they  advanced  with  alacrity  to  certain  death, 
that  they  might  be  honoured  and  efleemed  in  their  graves  ? 
I  believe,  that  fome  god  ftirred  up  this  war,  that  he  might 
have  the  pleafure  of  exercifmg  and  admiring  fuch  heroifm 
and  amazing  valour;  that  men  of  fuch  exalted  natures 
fhould  not  be  unknown,  or  loft  in  the  obfcurity  of  death, 
but  be  equalled  to  thofe  who  derived  their  blood  from 
heaven,  and  were  ftiled  demi-gods ;  for  they  likewife  were 
fubjedt,  by  their  bodies,  to  common  mortality,  but  left  be- 
hind them  an  immortal  fame,  acquired  by  their  deathlefs 
adlions. 

Wherefore,  as  I  have  faid,  our  anceftors  and  the 
Lacedicmonians  were  always  emulous  of  each  other  j  and, 
at  that  time  efpecially,  they  contended  in  the  race  of  glory,  ] 
not  as  enemies,  but  as  noble-minded  rivals ;  not  flattering 
the  Barbarians  to  bring  Greece  under  a  common  flavery, 
but  joining,  in  mutual  bravery,  to  aftert  the  fafety  and  li- 
berty of  our  native  country.  They  difputed,  indeed,  for 
the  prize  of  glory,  and  which  of  them  ftiould  be  the  prin- 
cipal authors  of  the  happinefs  of  Greece;  they  fhewed 
their  diftinguiftied  courage,  and  our  city,  firft  of  all,  againft 
the  forces  fent  by  Darius ;  for,  they  making  a  defcent  into 
Attica,  we  expeiSfed  not  fuccours ;  but,  thinking  the  com- 
mon war  our  own  private  danger,  we  met  in  battle  the  de- 
fpifers  of  ail  Greece,  having  none  but  our  own  troops,  and 
a  few  auxiliaries,  againft  fo  great  a  multitude,  as  chear- 
fully  as  if  all  our  hazard  had  been  in  mercenary  forces. 
But  the  Lacedaemonians,  indeed,  no  fooner  knew  of  the 
invafion  of  Attica,  than,  omitting  all  other  care,  they 
haftcd  to  our  aftiftance,  marching  with  fuch  rapidity,  as 
they  would  have  done  to  fave  their  own  country  from  plun- 
der and  devaftation.  This  is  a  token  of  the  zeal  and  dif- 
patch  that  was  then  exerted  by  our  anceftors,  as  it  is  faid 
of  them,  that,  in  the  fame  day  they  heard  of  the  Barba- 
rians defcent,  they  marched  to  prote6t  the  frontiers,  and, 
giving  battle,  raifed  an  immortal  trophy  by  the  ruin  of  the 

F  2  pro- 


s 


68  The    ORATIONS 

prodigious  Perfian  army :  and  the  Lacedaemonians,  in  three 
days  and  nights,  marched  a  thoufand  two  hundred  furlongs 
with  their  whole  army,  to  fhew  their  zeal  and  emulation 
in  the  purfuit  of  glory  ;  and  our  anceftors  made  the  fame 
fpeed  to  meet,  alone,  the  common  danger,  before  their 
allies  could  join  them.     After  this,  the  war  again  break- 
ing out  under  Xerxes,  who,  daring  to  leave  his  palace,  and 
condud  his  army  as  general,  and  gathering  together  the 
whole  ftrength  of  Afia,   came  upon  us  with  that  deluge  of 
an  ocean-like  power,  as  it  is  impoflible  for  words  to  ex- 
prefs.     He  was  elated  to  that  excefs  of  pride,  that  he  ima- 
gined it  an  eafy  enterprize  to  enflave  all  Greece ;  and,  de- 
fi<ynino-  to  give  a  proof  of  more  than  mortal  power,  he 
ceafed  not  till  he  effected  a  prodigy,  that  has  been  celebrated 
bv  all,  to  wit,  to  make  his  army  fail  on  the  continent, 
and  march  over  the  fea  on  foot,  as  on  even  firm  ground  ; 
for  he  made  a  bridge  over  the  Hcllefpont,  and  dug  through 
Mount  Athos   by  the   innumerable  hands   of   his  army. 
Againft  a  king  of  fuch  an  enterprifmg  mind,  who  had  ef- 
fected fuch  wonders,  we,  and  the  Lacedaemonians,  divided 
the  daneer.     The  Lacedaemonians  chofe  out  of  their  men 
a  thoufand  foot,  and  a  few  allies,  with  the  defign  of  inter- 
cepting their  paflage  at  Thermopylae ;  but  our  forefathers 
filled,  with  warriors  and  failors,  fixty  gallies  at  Artemifium. 
Nor  did  they  fhew  fuch  intrepidity  out  of  co/itcmpt  of  the 
enemy,  but  rather  out  of  an  heroic  emulation  of  each  others 
courage  and  refolution.     The  Lacedaemonians  emulated 
our  glory  in  the  plains  of  Marathon,  and  fought  to  equal 
it,  fearing  left  our  city  fhould  again  become  the  fole  caufe 
of  the  fafety  of  all  Greece.     But  our  anceftors  were  defi- 
rous  of  preferving  their  acquired  fame,  and  make  it  evident 
to  all,  that  they  did  not  conquer  before  by  fortune,  but  by 
their  bravery  and  valour.     Befides  this,  they  had  in  view 
to  bring  the  Greeks  to  improve  their  maritime  powers, and 
fhew  them,  that  conduiSl  and  bravery,  in  this  refpecl,  pre- 
vail over  multitudes.  Tho'  both  ftiewect  equal  bravery,  yet 
they  had  not  both  the  fame  fuccefs^  for  the  Lacedaemonians 

were 


^^r 


v.^jfS"  ■ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S.         69 

were  flain :  and  tho'  they  conquered,  by  their  virtue  and  ' 
courage,  the  power  of  death  itfelf,  they,  notwithftanding, 
funk  under  the  multitude  of  their  enemies ;  for  it  is  not  j 
lawful  to  fay  of  fuch  undaunted  heroes,  that  they  were  or 
could  be  vanquiftied  :  not  one  of  them  but  fcorned  ignoble 
flight.  Our  anceftors,  on  the  contrary,  immediately  con- 
quered the  firft  ftiips  of  the  Perfians :  but  when  they  heard, 
that  the  Barbarians  had  gained  the  pafrage,they  failed  back, 
and  fo  confulted  the  public  good,  that,  after  they  had  per- 
formed many  noble  exploits,  they  particularly  excelled 
themfelves  in  the  extremity  of  danger ;  for  all  their  allies 
being  difpirited,  and  the  Peloponnefians  walling  up  the 
Ifthmus,  and  feeking  their  own  fafety,  nay,  all  the  other 
cities  being  fubjecled  by  the  Barbarians,  and  fighting  on 
their  fide,  except  fome  that  had  been  neglc£led  on  account 
of  their  inconfiderablenefs,  our  anceftors  ftill  retained  the 
fame  independence  and  magnanimity  ;  for  twelve  hundred 
fhips,  and  an  innumerable  land-army,  being  ready  to  in- 
vade Attica,  though  they  could  promife  themfelves  no  fe- 
curity,  deprived  as  they  were  of  allies,  and  all  probable 
hopes,  yet  ftill  having  it  in  their  power  to  avoid  danger, 
nay  to  receive  diftinguifhed  favours  which  the  king  offered 
them,  who  judged,  that  if  he  once  joined  to  his  own  their 
naval  force,  he  fhould,  without  difficulty,  make  himfelf 
mafter  of  all  Peloponnefus ;  notwithftanding  this,  I  fay, 
they  rejected  his  propofals  with  a  fublimity  of  mind  worthy 
of  patriots  and  true  heroes.  Nor  did  they  indulge  a  blind 
refentment  againft  other  Grecians,  by  whom  they  had  been 
deferted,  and  eagerly  accept  the  terms  propofed  by  the  king; 
but  they  refolved  alone  to  contend  for  liberty,  pardoning 
and  pitying  thofe  who  chofe  fubjedlion  and  flavery ;  for  they 
thought,  that  humble  and  weak  cities  might  confult  their 
fafety  any  ways ;  but  that  thofe  who  were  emulous  of  the 
higheft  glory  in  Greece,  could  not  be  excufed,  if  they 
{hunned  danger  in  the  common  caufe  of  public  good  and 
liberty.  And  as  it  is  eligible  to  brave  and  virtuoufly-minded 
men,  rather  to  chufe  death  than  an  infamous  life,  fo  it  is 

F  3  more 


yo         The    ORATIONS 

more  eligible  to  cities,  that  excel  In  glory,  to  be  erazed  t(J 
the  very  foundations,  than  ever  fubmit  to  fervitude.  It  is 
certain  our  anceftors  thought  fo;  for,  finding  themfelves 
not  a  match  for  the  king's  both  fea  and  land-forces,  taking 
all  the  citizens  aboard  their  fhips,  they  failed  with  them  to 
an  adjoining  ifland,  that  they  might  thus  not  expofe  them- 
felve«  all  at  once  to  the  chance  of  war.  I  may  juflly  hero 
cry  out,  how  can  we  pofTibly  imagine  better  men,  or  greater 
lovers  of  Greece,  than  fuch  as  had  the  courage  (to  favc 
others  from  flavervAt^  look  calmly  upon  their  exhauftcd 
city,  their  plwndered\ountry,  ihc'ir  fpoilcd  temples,  their 
burnt  (hrincs,  the  whole  war  pouiing  in  on  all  Tides  into 
Attica  !  But  this  did  not  fuffice  them ;  for  they  dared 
alone  to  fight  againft  twelve  hundred  of  the  Barbarian 
{hips.  Indeed  they  were  not  fufFeied  to  do  this  by  the  refl, 
but  they  had  the  courage  to  have  done  it ;  for  the  Pelopon- 
nefians,  blufhingto  fee  their  virtues,  and  judging  their  own 
ruin  mufl  follow  theirs,  and,  fhould  they  conquer  unaf- 
fifted,  that  they  would  difgrace  all  the  other  cities ;  the  Pe^ 
loponnefians,  I  fay,  were  thus  forced  to  come  in  to  their 
aififtance.  I  need  not  here,  methink?,  on  this  occafion, 
reprefent  the  tumult  of  a£lion,  the  fhouts  and  mutual  ex- 
hortations of  the  foldiers  and  failoi-s,  and  all  the  horrors  of 
fuch  a  dreadful  conflict. 

But  what  is  peculiar  and  proper  to  precedency  in  ho- 
nour, I  think  it  my  duty  to  take  an  opportunity  of  men- 
tioning in  this  place ;  for  fuch  was  the  glory  and  fuperio- 
rity  of  our  city,  in  its  flourlfhing  condition,  that,  after  it 
was  left  and  abandoiicd,  yet  its  inhabitants  furnifhed  more 
gallies  for  the  common  caufe  than  all  the  reft  of  Greece  be- 
fides ;  for  there  is  no  one  fo  unjuft  an  adverfary  to  us,  as 
not  to  confefs,  that  tho'  all  Greece  conquered  in  this  fea- 
battle,  vet  our  city  was  the  caufe  of  fo  fignal  a  \i<Story, 
And,  in  a  future  expedition  againft  the  Barbarians,  who,  in 
equity,  can  we  think  fhould  have  the  higheft  commarid  ? 
Should  it  not  be  they  who  excelled  in  the  former  war,  u  ho 
gained  the  greateft  applaufe,  often  alone  expofed  their  lixes, 

and 


l^t 


/ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        71 

and  were  univerfally  judged  worthy  of  the  higheft  ho- 
nours ?  Should  it  not  be  they,  who  left  their  own  habita- 
tions for  the  public  good,  tho'  they  were  antiently  the  pof- 
feftbrs  of  the  greateft  number  of  cities,  and  preferved  them  * 
by  their  valour  from  the  dreadfulleft  calamities  ?  Muft  it 
not  be  faid,  with  reafon,  that  we  fhould  fufFer  great  injuf- 
tice,  if,  af  :  having  borne  the  hardeft  labours  in  our  na- 
tional adverfities,  we  fhould  now  be  judged  only  deferving 
inferior  honours  ?  and  tho'  they  originally  took  the  place  of 
all,  thev  now  fhould  be  forced  down  to  a  humbler  rank  ? 
In  the  forementioned  times,  I  know  all  will  agree,  that  our  ^ 
city  was  the  caufe  of  the  greateft  pubKc  good,  and  confe-f* 
quently  deferved  the  precedency. 

But,  after  all  this,  fome  accufe  us  now  of  having  been, 
when  we  had  received  the  fovereignty  of  the  feas^  the  caufe 
;ilfo  of  many  calamities  to  the  Greeks ;  and  they  mention, 
on  this  occafion,  the  captivity  of  the  Melii,   and  the  total 
deftrucllon  of  the  Scioneans,     But  I  think  this  is  no  proof 
that  we  ruled  unjuftly,  if  fome,  who  dared  to  make  war 
Upon  us,  were  feverely  punifhed  :  nay,  I  rather  think,  that 
this  is  a  certain  mark,  that  we  had  a  great  regard  for  the  in- 
terefts  of  our  allies,  fmce  no  cities,  under  our  patronat^e, 
fell  into  the  like  miferies.     Eefides,  if  any  other  ftatesufed 
a  milder  government,  they  alone  have  a  title  to  condemri 
us  :  but  if  this  has  not  happened  (nor  is  it  poffible  to  keep 
fo  many  cities  in  obedience,  without  punifhing  the  difobe- 
dient),  how  can  It  be  otherwife  than  juft  to   praife  us,        ^ 
who,  having  fhcwed  our  refentment  but  againft  a  few,  were 
able  to  maintain  our  fovcreio;ntv  fo  lono;  ?     And  none  can 
doubt,  methinks,  that  thofe  are  beft  patrons  and  protedors 
of  the  Grecians,   under  whofe  government  the  obedient 
have  been  in  the  moft  fiourifliing  condition.     Now,  under 
our  principality,  we  ftiall  find,  that  both  private  families 
were  in  the  happieft  fituation,  and  cities  in  the  moft  im- 
proving and  flourifhing  condition  ;  for  we  envied  not  their 
increafc,  nor  introduced  troubles  amongft  them,  or  raifed 
tcparatcfiidions,  that  they  might  be  divided^  and  each  party 

F  4  court 


72  The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  $ 

court  our  favour;  but,  judging  the  concord  of  our  allies  a 
common  good,  we  governed  all  cities  by  the  fame  laws, 
treating  them  as  friends  do,  not  as  lords;  direding,  in! 
^  deed,  the  univerfal  affairs  of  all  the  ftate,  but  leaving  every 
one  free  in  his  own  cities ;  always  affifting  the  people, 
and  humbling  tyrants,  thinking  it  unjuft,  that  a  multitude 
fhould  be  flavcs  to  a  few,  and  the  poorer  fort,  though  no 
ways  in  other  refpeds  inferior,  be  excluded  from  public 
pofts  ;  and  though  our  native  foil  be  a  common  property; 
that  fome  fliould  reign,  others  be  only  as  fojourners,  and 
though  citizens  by  nature,  yet  be  deprived  of  a  fliare  in 
the  government.     Having  thefe  juft  objedions  againft  oli-     / 
garchies,  and  more  than  thefe,  we  eflablifhed  the  fame  form 
of  government  amongft  others,as  we  ufed  ourfelves  ;  which, 
I  think,  I  need  not  praife  more  at  large,  as  I  can  make  the 
whole  evident  in  few  words ;  for  we  have  continued  feventy 
years  living  under  this  form  of  government,  fecure  againft 
tyrants  as  well  as  Barbarians,  without  civil  diifenfions,  and 
having  peace  with  all  mankind  :  which,  certainly,  all  pru- 
dent  perfons  ought  rather  to  be  glad  of,  than  upbraid  us  on 
account  of  our  colonies,  which  we  have  fent  into  defert 
places,  for  the  defence  of  the  countries,  and  not  out  of  a 
profpea  of  our  own  advantage  and  emolument.     Thjs  is 
a  proof  of  it ;  for,  having  a  fmall  territory  in  refped  of 
the  multitude  of  inhabitants,  but  a  ftrong  and  united  o-q- 
vernment,  having  double  the  number  of  gallies  that  all  oth'ers 
had,  and  being  capable  of  contending  with  double  that  num- 
ber, and  tho'  Euboea  was  adjacent  to  Attica,  and  by  nature 
advantageoufly  fituated  for  the  fupremacy  of  the  fea,  and 
excelling  all  other  ifiands  in  other  refpecls,  we  did  this 
ifland  no  injuflicc,  and  fct  an  example  of  abftinence  from 
oppreffion,  when  we  had  as  much  power  over  it,  as  we 
had  over  our  own  territories.     Add  this  likewife,  that  tho' 
we  well  knew,  how  that  thofe  Greeks,  as  well  as  Barba- 
rians,  are  moft  admired,   who,  entirely  deftroying  their 
neighbours  procure  thcmfelves  affluence,  and  the  liberty 
of  ail  unactivc  indolent  life,  yet  nothing  of  this  tempted 

our 


* , 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         73 

our  anceftors  to  a6l  unjuftly  by  this  ifland ;  and  we  were 
contented  with  lefs  affluence  than  others  enjoyed,  whom 
we  had  fome  plea  of  fubjeding.     Had  we  had  avarice  in 
view,  would  we  not  have  retained  Scione,  and  not  volun- 
tarily have  given  it  away  to  the  Plataeans,  who  had  fled  to 
us  for  fuccour  ?     But,  I  fay,  we  parted  with  the  poilciTion 
of  thofe  lands,  which  would  have  enriched  all  our  city. 
Now,  after  fuch  an  example  of  moderation,  and  fuch  a 
proof  of  our  equity,  and  abftinence  from  others  rights, 
dare  thofe  accufe  us,  who  have  made  themfelves  opprefflve 
officers,  rendered  all  former  injuflices  done  their  common- 
wealth, comparatively  fmall,  and  left  no  poffibility  toothers 
of  exceeding  them  in  violence ;  but,  profefTing  themfelves 
lovers  of  the  Lacedaemonian  intereft,  by  their  pradices  con- 
fute their  own  declarations;  and,  while  they  lament  the 
fate  of  the  Melians,  refrain  not  from  the  moft  exorbitant 
opprefflons  of  their  own  fellow-citizens.     For,  what  in- 
juftices  have  they  not  done  ?  and  what  infamies  and  cruel- 
ties have  they  not  perpetrated  ?    In  fliort,  what  crimes,  tho* 
never  of  fo  revolting  a  nature,  have  they  abftained  from  ? 
They  have  efteemed  the  rafheft  and  moft  imprudent  the! 
faithfulleft  to  them,  and  flattered  traitors  and  betrayers  of  I 
their  country,  as  if  they  were  its  benefadors ;  and  even 
fubjeded  themfelves  to  flaves,  that  they  might  tyrannize 
over  their  citizens  ;  nay,  have  even  honoured  public  mur- 
derers and  affaffins  more  than  their  very  parents.     Thefe 
fafls  are  too  notorious  to  admit  of  any  colouring.     And 
they  have  infpired  us  all  with  that  inhumanity,  that  tho', 
before  this  confufion  of  order  on  account  of  our  then  hap- 
pinefs,  in  the  fmalleft  difafters  we  were  wont  to  have  a 
number  of  condolers  and  fympathizers,  yet,  under  their 
government,  upon  account  of  the  variety  of  our  domeftic 
calamities,  we  have  quite  left  off  pitying  one  another;  for 
they  have  allowed  ho  one  fo  much  leifure  as  to  commife- 
rate  his  neighbour.     Whom  have  they  not  violated  ?  or 
who  was  fo  retired  from  public  affairs,  as  not  to  fhare  in 
the  common  mifery,  which  was  caufed  by  their  barbarity  ? 

k  Laftly, 


^ig»attu 


74         The    ORATIONS 

Laflly,  Are  they  not  afhamed,  who  have  (o  ill-governed 
their  own  cities,  to  accufe  ours  of  injuflice  and  mifnianage- 

ment  ? 

But,  moreover,  they  dare  to  objc£l  to  us  the  law-fuits 
and  fentences  of  court,  which  happened  in  thofe  times ; 
tho'  they  put  to  death,  without  a  legal  condemnation,  in 
three  months,  more  than  our  city  arraigned  during  all  its 
government.  But,  as  for  thebanifhments  caufedby  them, 
the  feditions,  and  confufion  of  all  laws,  the  changes  in 
form  of  government,  the  infults  done  to  youth,  the  viola- 
tions of  married  women,  and  the  plundering  of  private  for- 
tunes, what  tongue  or  eloquence  can  enumerate,  or  ever 
paint  them  in  full  colours  ?  But  this  I  have  to  fay  in  a  few 
words,  that  all  the  injuflice  and  oppreiTion  committed  by 
us,  might  be  reclified  by  one  decree ;  but  that  it  is  an  im» 
polfibility  ever  to  redrcfs  the  aflaflinations  and  crimes  com- 
mitted by  them.  On  the  contrary,  who  would,  I  will  not 
fay,  accept  of  the  prefent  fort  of  precarious  peace,  but  of 
that  liberty,  the  idea  of  which  is  preferved  only  in  writ- 
ings and  covenants,  rather  than  that  mild  public  oecono^ 
my  which  was  obferved  in  our  commonwealth  ?  Who 
would  dcHre  fuch  circumflanccs  of  public  management, 
wherein  pirates  are  mafters  of  the  fea,  and  armed  foldicrs 
feize  the  cities ;  when  citizens,  inftcad  of  fighting  with 
unanimity  againft  a  common  enemy,  are  in  civil  broils  with 
one  another,  and  more  cities  have  been  taken  by  force,  and 
cnflaved  during  their  rule,  than  were  before  the  peace  ? 
Now,  on  account  of  the  frequent  changes  of  government, 
and  thofe  banifhments  which  are  the  confequcnts,  all  bravery 
and  fpirit  feems  extlnguifhed  every  where,  and  the  banifhcd 
live  more  contented  than  they  who  are  left  behind  ;  for  the 
latter  fear  futurity,  and  the  firft  hope  a  better  turn  of  af- 
fairs :  and,  in  general,  all  are  fo  far  from  liberty,  and  the 
free  cnioyment  of  their  native  laws,  that  fome  cities  aro 
fubjeci  to  tyrants,  fome  are  governed  by  a  fort  of  military 
defpotic  mafters,  and  others  ruined  to  the  very  foundations, 
while  the  Barbarians  have  poflcflcd  thcmfelves  of  others. 
Thoic  Barbiirianbj  I  fay,  whom,  upon  their  daring  to  pafs 

over 


^■:.: 


•"Si."  ■ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        75 

over  into  Europe,  and  conceive  higher  ideas  of  their  power 
than  they  ought  in  wifdom,  we  fo  humbled,  that  they  not 
only  willingly  defifted  from  invading  us,  but  fufFered  their 
own  coafh  to  be  plundered.     And  though  they  came  with 
twelve  hundred  fliips,  yet  v/e  brought  them  to  that  low 
flate,  that  they   dared   not  to   draw  down    a  long   {hip 
within  Phafelis,  but  remained  quiet,  waited  the  oppor- 
tunities of  time,  and  diftrufted  their  then  condition  and 
forces.     And  that  all  this  was  owino;  to  us,  the  enfuino- 
calamity  of  our  city  has  fufRciently  declared ;  for,  from  the 
time  we  were  deprived  of  the  fovereignty,  all  the  misfor- 
tunes of  Greece  took  their  fatal  origin.     After  our  lofs  in 
the  Hellefpont,    others  being  generals  and  admirals,  the 
Barbarians  conquered  by  fea,  and  became  maflers  of  it; 
they  feized  moft  of  the  iflands,  and  made  a  defcent  upon 
the  territory  of  the  Lacedaemonians ;  they  took  Cythera 
by  ftorm,  and,  plundering  and  diftreiTing  all  Peloponnefus, 
they  failed  fafel)-away  again.     But  we  fliall  be  beft  judges 
of  the  greatnefs  of  the  public  calamity,  if  we  examine  the 
prefent  treaties,  and  thofe  which  were  made  under  us,  and 
tranfmitted  down  in  writing  ;  for  then  we  gave  laws,  and 
prefcribed  bounds  to  the  Perfian  monarch,  orderins;  certain 
tributes,  and  forbidding  him  the  freedom  of  the  fea:  but 
he  now  regulates  the  ftates  of  Greece,  appoints  what  all 
fliall  do,  and  almoft  elects  the  magiftrates  of  each  refpec- 
tive  city.     Exclufive  of  this,  what  has  he  not  obtained  ? 
Is  he  not  the  arbitrator  of  war  ?  Has  he  not  direded  the 
terms  of  peace,  and  been  moderator  in  all  our  public  inte- 
rclts  ?  Have  we  not,  falFuig  to  him  as  to  a  fovereign  prince, 
mutually  accufed  one  another  ?    Do  v/e  not  flile  him  the 
great  king,  as  if  we  were  in  facl  his  captives  ?  Do  we  not, 
in  our  inteftine  v/ars,  have  rccourie  to  him,  place  our/ 
hopes  of  fafcty  and  protection  in  him  j  in  him,  I  fay,  who 
v/ouki  willingly  deftroy  us  all  ? 

Those  who  form  a  folid  judgment  of  this,  are  dIA 
pleafed  with  the  prefent  flate  of  things,  defire  again  our 
management  of  the  public  good,  and  refent  the  conduct  of 

^      ^  the 


/ 


76         The    ORATIONS 

the  Lacedaemonians,  who  pretended,  at  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  the  common  liberty  of  Greece,  but,  in  the 
conclufion,  betrayed  it  to  the  Barbarians,  made  the  loni- 
ans  defert  the  intereft  of  our  city,  from  which  they  came, 
and  by  which  they  had  often  been  faved,  and  even  delivered 
them  into  the  hands  of  the  common  enemy ;  from  us,  I 
fay,  they  withdrew  them,  from  whom  they  formerly  went 
to  eftablifh  themfelves  there,  where  they  poflbfs  the  terri- 
tory againft  the  Perfians  will,  with  whom  they  fcarce  ever 
ceafe  having  war.  The  Lacedaemonians  then  refented,  that 
wefhould  pretend  even  legally  to  govern  thofe  we  had  ajuft 
authority  over  ;  but  now  that  they  are  funk  into  fuch  a  de- 
gree of  flavery,  the  Lacedaemonians  are  totally  unconcerned 
about  them.  Nor  does  it  feem  enough  to  thePerfian,  that 
they  pay  tribute,  fee  their  flrong  places  poffeiTed  by  the  ene- 
my's garrifons,  but,  befides  their  public  calamities,  they 
fufFer  more  in  their  bodies  than  our  very  bought  flavesj  for 
no  one  of  us  treats  fo  inliumanely  his  fervants,  as  they  do 
ii^^  perfons.  But  the  greateft  of  all  miferies  is,  that  they 
are  forced  to  expofe  their  lives  in  rivetting  fafter  their  own 
chains,  to  fight  even  againft  thofe  who  would  reftore  them 
to  their  liberties,  and  run  thofe  dangers,  wherein,  ihould 
they  fail  of  victory,  they  muft  die,  but,  coming  off  vido- 
rious,  muft  render  their  fervitude  the  more  fevere  and  in- 
evitable for  the  future.  Of  all  which  whom  can  we  accufe 
as  authors,  but  the  Lacedaemonians  ?  who,  though  they 
have  fuch  great  power,  yet  negled  their  allies  and  friends 
under  fuch  deplorable  circumftances,  and  look  on  with  in- 
difference, while  the  Barbarians  ftrengthen  their  own  em- 
pire with  the  blood  and  bravery  of  the  Grecians.  And 
formerly,  indeed,  they  drove  out  tyrants,  and  affifted  the 
people;  but  they  are  now  fo  far  changed,  that  they  enter 
into  war  with  republics,  and  help  to  eftablifh  monarchies. 
In  the  time  of  peace  they  ruined  Mantinea,  feized  Cad- 
meia,  the  Theban  fortrefs,  and  now  they  are  at  war  with 
the  Olynthians  and  Phliafians:  nay,  they  even  are  auxi- 
liaries toAmyntas  king  of  the  Macedonians,  Dionyfiusthe 

t}Tant 


f*-.? 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         yj 

tyrant  of  Sicily,  and  the  Barbarian  who  lords  it  over  Afia^ 
that  they  may  have  as  great  a  power  as  pollible.  And  what 
can  poflibly  be  more  abfurd,  than  for  the  chief  of  Greece 
to  make  one  man  the  lawlefs  defpotic  mafter  of  fo  many 
perfons  as  furpafs  calculation  ?  On  the  contrary,  hinder 
the  greateft  free  cities  from  ufmg  their  own  laws,  force  them 
to  become  flaves,  or  elfe  to  ilruggle  with  the  greateft  dif- 
ftculties  and  lofl'es  ?  But  what  is  the  moft  aftonifhing  of  all 
is,  to  fee  thofe  who  have  the  leading  power,  fighting  al- 
moft  conftantly  againft  the  Grecians,  but  making  a  perpe- 
tual confederacy  of  mutual  fuccours  with  the  Perfian.  Nor 
Jet  any  one  think  I  fpeak  this  out  of  enmity,  becaufe  I  have 
explained  this  in  ftrong  terms,  tho'  Ifaid  I  defigned  thisdif^ 
courfe  as  a  prehminary  of  common  concord  ;  for  I  have  not 
fpoken  in  this  view,  that  I  might  publicly  accufe  the  city  of 
Lacedaemon,  but  that,  as  far  as  lies  in  orator}^,  I  may  dif- 
fuade  the  Lacedaemonians  from  entertaining  any  longer  the 
fame  fentiments.  And  it  is  impoffible  to  turn  others  from 
any  crimes,  or  perfuade  them  to  the  contrary  virtues,  unlcfs 
we  feverely  reprehend  the  guilty.  We  ought,  indeed,  to 
think  thofe  men  accufers,  who  reproach  us  with  the  defign 
of  hurting  us,  but  to  efteem  thofe  men  our  monitors, 
who  do  it  for  our  advantage ;  for  we  ought  not  to  put 
the  fame  interpretation  upon  the  fame  words,  if  not 
fpoken  with  the  fame  intention:  but  we  have  jufHy  to 
blame  them  for  this  likewife,  that  they  force  their  neigh- 
bours to  be  flaves  to  their  own  city,  yet  procure  nothing 
of  a  hke  nature  for  their  allies.  But  would  they  once  put 
an  end  to  all  contention  with  us,  it  will  be  in  our  joint 
power  to  make  all  the  neighbouring  Barbarians  the  flaves 
of  Greece. 

Now,  it  certainly  becomes  thofe,  who  are  by  nature,  and 
not  cafually,  of  a  noble  mind,  to  attempt  the  forementioneJ 
great  enterprize,  and  not  grafp  at  tributes  from  the  iflanders  ; 
fince  the  inhabitants  of  iflands  ought  to  be  the  obje£^s  of 
compaflion,  fmce  they  are  obliged,  by  the  fcarcity  of  Jand, 
to  plough  the  very  mountains  \  but  the  inhabitants  of  the 

Afiatic 


Wi 


78         The    ORATIONS 

Afiatlc  continent,  on  account  of  its  vaft  extent,  leave  the 
greateft  part  uncultivated:  from  which,  notwithflanding, 
they  receive  fuch  variety  of  fruits,  as  render  them  immenfe- 
ly  rich  and  opulent.  I  rellly  believe,  that  fhould  fome  in- 
telligent ftranger  come  from  a  foreign  countr)^,  and  fee  the 
prefent  management  of  our  public  affairs,  he  would  con- 
demn us  of  folly  and  frenzy,  who  run  fuch  hazards  for 
fmall  advantages,  when  we  might  with  iafcty  acquire  fuch 
affluence  ;  nay,  defiroy  our  own  country,  when  we  might 
engrofs  the  riches  of  Afia.  Nor  can  any  thing  be  more 
profitable  to  the  Perfian,  than  to  furnifli  us  with  perpetual 
occafions  of  making  war  on  one  another :  but  we  are  fo  far 
from  diflurbing  his  profperity  and  eafe,  that  we  endeavour 
to  compofe  for  him  thofe  troubles  which  accidentally  arife  in 
his  dominions.  We  even  fufFer  him  to  ufe  one  of  the  ar- 
mies in  Cyprus,  and  befiege  the  other,  tho'  both  of  them 
are  compofed  of  Grecians ;  which  two  armies  are  friendly 
difpofed  to  us,  and  have  put  themfelves  under  the  patronage 
of  the  Lacedaemonians :  and  as  for  the  forces  under  the 
command  of  Tiribazus,  the  moft  ferviceable  of  his  infantry 
has  been  raifed  in  thefe  parts,  and  the  greateft  number  of 
feamen  have  failed  from  the  coafts  of  Ionia ;  all  which 
troops  would  much  more  willingly  plunder  the  continent 
of  Afia,  than  fight  with  their  own  countrymen,  for  infig- 
nificant  advantages.  But  we  blindly  make  no  account  of 
this,  contend  with  one  another  for  the  Cyclades,  and  leave 
fuch  a  number  of  gallies  andftrong  powers  in  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  that  with  them  he  poflefies  feme  places,  will 
have  others,  and  has  defigns  upon  more.  Thus  he  juftly  de- 
fpifes  us  for  our  mifcondud:,  and  has  eft^edled  what  none  of 
his  anceflors  ever  could  ;  for  Afia  is  confefi!ed,  both  by  us 
and  the  Lacedaemonians,  to  be  the  king's  right  and  property  : 
and  he  has  fo  lordly  feized  upon  feveral  Grecian  cities,  as 
to  demolifti  fome,  build  fortreifes,  and  put  garrifons  into 
others;  and  all  this  has  happeiied  by  our  improvidence  and 
i^\'j'i  not  his  bravery  and  wifdom. 


Some 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         79 

Some  admire,  indeed,  the  grandeur  of  the  Perfian's  em- 
pire ;  fay,  he  is  very  difficult  to  conquer,  and  mention,  on 
this  occafion,  the  revolutions  which  he  has  caufed  in  Greece. 
Now  I  think,  that  thefe  very  men  are  fo  far  from  difcou- 
raging,  that  they  flrongly  exhort  us  to  enter  into  a  war 
with  him  5  for  if,  in  the  common  union  and  frlendlliip  of 
us  all,  he  fliould  be  hard  to  humble  in  the  confufion  of  his 
ftate,  ought  we  not  doubly  to  fear  fuch  a  time,  when  the 
affairs  of  the  Barbarian  fhall  be  fettled  in  tranquillity  and 
concord,  and  we,  as  at  prefent,  divided,  and  bearing  hof- 
tile  difpofitions  ?    Though  they  fhould  be,  as  I  have  faid, 
of  the  opinion  mentioned,  they  do  not  judge  rationally  of 
the  king's  power ;  but  could  they  indeed  (hew  us,  that, 
in  any  time,  he  had  prevailed  o'  t  both  our  cities  united, 
then  we  fhould  have  even  now  jult  caufe  to  fear  his  fupe- 
riority.     If  this  they  cannot  do,  but  when  we  were  at  va- 
riance, that  only  then,  by  joining  with  one  fide,  he  feemed 
to  gain  a  fort  of  glory,  this,  I  fay,  is  no  proof  of  his 
flrength  at  all ;  for,  in  fiich  circumflances  we  muft  be  {tn- 
fible,  that  a  little  change  of  balance  caufes  great  alterations. 
And  I  may  fay  this  in  refped  of  the  Chians,  that  with  which- 
foever  of  us  they  joined,  that  party  was  fure  to  have  the 
command  of   the  fea.     But  we  are  not  to  confider  the 
king's  power  as  in  confederacy  with  either  of  us,  but  when 
he  fought  only  with  his  own  forces.     And,  firfl,  in  the  re- 
volt of  Egypt,  what  did  he  effect  againft  thofe  who  poffeired 
themfelves  of  it  ?     Did  he  not  fend  thither  the  moft  re- 
nowned of  the  Perfians,   Acrocamas,    Tithrauftes,  and 
Pharnabazus.    Thefe  generals,  after  three  years  ftay  there,- 
and  fuffering  more  diftrefs  than  they  caufed  to  their  adver- 
faries,  were  at  laft  forced  to  return  {^^  fhamefully,  as  no^ 
only  to  leave  the  revolters  poffeflbrs  of  Egypt  ftill,  and  not 
contented  with  liberty,  but  alfo  attempting  to  make  them- 
felves lords  of  the  borderinq;  ftates.     After  this,  he  made 
war  upon  Evagoras,  who  is  regent  but  of  one  city  in  the 
ifland  of  Cyprus,  and  abandoned  by  our  treaties:  and  tho* 
Evagoras  had  a  lofs  by  fca,  and  only  three  hundred  fpear- 

men 


So         The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

men  to  defend  his  territory,  yet  the  Perfian  has  not  been 
able  to  get  the  better  of  fuch  fmall  forces,  but  has  already 
employed  to  no  purpofe  fix  years  ftrugglc.  And  if  we  may 
conjecture  of  futurity  by  what  has  happened,  it  is  more 
probable  fome  others  will  revolt,  before  he  can  take  Evago- 
ras's  city  ;  there  arc  always  fuch  delay  and  procraftination 
in  the  condu6l  of  the  king's  affairs.  In  the  wars  of  Cni- 
dos,  he  had  the  afliftance  of  the  Lacedaemonian  allies,  up- 
on account  of  their  too  fevere  government,  as  well  as  ours; 
and  Conon  marched  to  him  with  an  army,  who  was  a  moll 
vigilant  general,  faithful  to  the  Grecian  intereft,  and  per- 
fectly (killed  in  the  art  of  war.  Tho'  the  Perfian  had  fuch 
a  capable  afTiftant,  yet,  for  all  this,  he  fufFered  all  the 
naval  forces  of  Afia  to  be  blocked  up,  for  three  years  fuc- 
ceffively,  by  only  three  hundred  gallies  ;  and  he  wronged 
the  foldiers  of  fifteen  months  pay :  fo  that,  as  far  as  de- 
pended on  him,  they  mufl  have  been  difbanded ;  and  it 
was  with  difficulty  at  laft,  that  he  conquered,  by  means 
of  the  confederacy  of  the  Grecians  at  Corinth,  formed  on 
the  impending  dangers. 

These  are  the  nobleft  and  mofl  royal  adions  of  the 
Perfian,  which  fome  are  conftantly  mentioning,  who  are 
willing  to  extol  the  king's  power :  fo  that  none  can  juflly 
cbjedl  to  me  any  unfair  dealing,  or  that  I  do  not  ufe  proper 
examples,  but  dwell  upon  minure  things,  and  omit  things 
of  far  greater  moment ;  for,  avoiding  this  accufation,  I 
have  only  mentioned  his  moft  celebrated  and  fplendid  ex- 
ploits. But  I  was  not  ignorant  of  the  bravery  of  Dercyl- 
lidas,  who,  having  only  a  thoufand  armed  men,  pofTefTed 
himfelf  of  i^olis ;  or  how  Draco,  having  taken  Aterneus, 
and  getting  together  about  three  thoufand  fhielded  foldiers, 
plundered  and  fpoiled  the  Myfian  territory  ;  that  Thym- 
bron,  having  tranfported  a  fomething  larger  number,  ra- 
vaged all  Lydia;  Agefilaus,  commanding  the  troops  of 
Cyrus,  feized  upon  almoft  all  that  fpace  of  land  which  lies 
within  the  river  Halys.  We  need  not  therefore,  I  fay,  fear 
the  king's  power,  or  the  bravery  of  the  Perfians  3  for  it  was 

evident, 


of  1  S  o  c  R  A  T  E  S.       81 

%Vic!cnt,  by  thofe  who  came  with  Cyrus,  that  the  reft  are 
no  better  foldiers  than  thofe  who  inhabit  near  the  fea.     I 
"will  omit  other  battles  in  which  they  were  worfted,  and 
fuppofe,  that  they  w^cre  divided  by  fedition,  and  unwilling 
to  do  theiir  utrrtoft  againft  the  king's  brother  :  but  even  af- 
ter Cyrus's  death,  all  the  colleded  powers  of  Afia  fought  in 
fuch  a  fhameful  manner,  that  they  left  no  opportunity,  no 
room,  for  praifing  the  Perfian  valour;  for  having  furprifed 
about  fix  thoufand  Grecians,  who  were  not  chofen  men,  but 
incapabfe  of  living  in  their  own  cities,  on  account  of  their 
diforders,  and  ignorant  likewife  of  the  country  where  they 
were;  I  fay,  having  furprifed  thefe  men,  unaffifted  by  al- 
lies,  betrayed  by  the  Perfians,  deprived  of  their  general^ 
yet,  notwithftanding  fuch  difadvantages,  the  Perfians  were 
fo  infisrior  to  them,  that  the  king,  diftrufting  the  ftrength 
of  his  army^  had  recourfe  to  fraud,  treacheroufly  feized  the 
Grecian  captains,  and  hoped,  by  this  violation  of  laws,  to 
fpread  terror  in  their  fmall  camp ;  chufing  rather  thus  to 
ofFeml  the  gods,  than  hazard  an  open  battle  with  our  coun- 
trymen :  but  failing  in  his  defign,  the  foldiers  continuing 
together,  and  bearing  this  unexpected  lofs,  he  fent  after 
them  in  their  march  Tiffaphernes,  with  the  horfe ;  and 
though  they  were  conftantly  molefted  by  the  Perfians  in 
their  way,  they  held  on  their  march  as  fecurely  as  if  they 
had  been  efcorted  only;  and  more  feared  the  defartnefs  of 
the  country  than  the  numbers  of  their  enemies.    The  head 
of  what  I  have  faid  is,  that  they  who  fought  not  after 
booty,  or  feized  upon  fome  city,    but  marched  diredly 
againft  the  king  himfelf,  returned  with  greater  fafety  than 
thofe  who  went  to  him  under  the  protedion  of  the  rights  of 
cmbafly,  and  propofals  of  friendfliip :  fo  that,  I  think,  the 
Perfians  have  given  evident  proofs,  in  all  places,  of  their 
womanifh  efFcminacy.     Upon  the  coafts,  likewife,  they 
have  been  defeated  in  feveral  battles ;  and,  having  made  a 
defcent  into  Europe,  they  fufFered  for  their  raftmefs ;  for 
fome  of  them  perifhed,  and  others  more  fhamefully  faved 
tkemfelvesj  and,  finally,  thofe  who  returned,*  became  ridi- 

culoys 


82         The    ORATIONS 

culous  in  their  enervate  king's   pompous   unmanly  pa- 
lace. 

Nothing  of  this  happened  without  caufe,  but  all  ac- 
cording to  the  conftant  nature  of  things  ;  for  it  is  not  pof- 
fible,  that  men  fo  educated,  fo  governed  by  a  vicious  tyrant, 
fliould  be  pofiefTed  either  of  bravery,  or  any  other  noble 
virtue.     How  can  it  be,  that,  in  fuch  a  form  of  govern- 
'  ^    ment,  there  fhould  be  a  good  foldier,  much  lefs  a  heroic, 
wife,  jufl,  brave  general  ?     The  greateft  part  of  them  are 
a  diforderly,  difiblute  mob,  unacquainted  with  the  horrors 
of  death,  afraid  of  war,  and  more  habituated  to  flavery 
than  our  moft  abjecSt  bought  fervants  :  nay,  the  nobleft  of 
them,  as  they  are  called,  never  lived  up^^;  i  equal,  public, 
equitable  terms  in  their  kingdom,  but  opprefled  fome,  while 
they  were  the  meaneft,  moft  abandoned  flaves  to  others  ; 
and  are  men  the  moft  corrupted  that  is  poflible,  by  vice  and 
fervitude,  in  all  nature.     What  grovelling  wretches  muft 
j[^     fuch  be,whofe  very  education  teaches  them  the  loweft  bafe- 
nefs,  fubmifTion  to  ufurping  cowardice  !   They  have  indeed 
luxurious  wanton  bodies  by  riches  and  intemperance,  but 
abjedl  difpirited  minds  by  fubmiftion  to  defpotifm  ;  {hewing 
the  vileft  worfliip  and  adoration  in  the  palace,  and  learn- 
ing thus,  in  the  fchool  of  cowardice  and  injuftice,  all  pof- 
fible  depravation  of  manly  reafon :  adoring,  I  fay,  a  mor- 
tal man,  and  calling  him  a  god  ;  defpifing  the  truly  immor- 
tal  gods,  while  they  fpeak,    to  the  fhame  of  mankind. 
Thus  their  nobles,  who  are  fent  to  the  fea-coafts,  do  not 
belye  their  good  inftrudlions,  but  pradife  what  they  have 
been   accuftomed  to.      Unfaithful  to  their   friends,    and 
cowards  to  their  enemies ;  living  in  the  moft  abandoned 
low-mindednefs  towards  a  monarchical  idol,  and  with  pride 
towards  their  fellow-countrymen ;  treating  ill  their  allies, 
and  crouching,  like  fawning  dogs,  to  a  bold  auverfary. 
They  maintained,  indeed,  the  army  under  Agefilaus  eight 
months  at  their  expence  ;  but,  after  it  had  hazarded  a  battle 
for  them,  they  defrauded  the  Greeks  of  double  that  pay :  they 
-gave  ail  mndred  talents  to  thofe  who  took  Chifthene,  but 

treated 


Ml 


of    ISOCkATES.  83 

treated  thof^,  who  made  a  defcent  with  them  into  Cyprus, 
worfe  than   the  very  captives.     To  exprefs  myfelf  in  one   * 
word,  whoever  fought  againft  them  refolutely,  was  fucefT-  ^ 
ful ;  but  whoever  was  their  fubjed,  led  and  finiftied  his  life 
infamoufly.     Did  they  not  put  Conon  to  death,  who  had 
fought  for  them,  and  ruined  the  Lacedemonian  ftate  ?  On 
the  contrary,  did  they  not  prefent  Thucidides  with  the 
moft  fplendid  gifts,  who  entirely  ruined  their  fleet  ?     And 
who  would  then  feek  their  friendfhip,  who  ruin  their  friends, 
and  flatter  their  enemies  ?  What  ftate  of  Greece  have  they 
not  injured  ?     In  what  period  of  time  have  they  not  had 
infidious  defigns  againft  us  ?     Is  not  every  cuftom  of  ours 
odious  to  them      Who  even,  in  the  former  war,  dared  to 
plunder  and  burn  the  temples  and  fhrines  of  our  gods : 
and  it  is  juft  to  mention  here  the  lonians  with  honour,  who 
prayed  for  vengeance  on  thofe  that  rebuilt  them,  and  re- 
ftored  them  to  their  former  beauty,  not  out  of  inability  of 
doing  fo,  but  defigning  the  ruins  to  be  a  lafting  monument, 
to  future  ages,  of  the  irreligion  of  the  Barbarians ;  that  none 
of  us  might  ever  truft  to  thofe  who  dared,  in  fuch  an  out- 
rageous manner,  to  violate  the  feats  of  the  gods,  but  be  al> 
ways  upon  our  guard  againft  them,  and  ever  be  diffident  of 
them,  who  not  only  violated  our  bodies,  but  the  very  mo- 
numents of  our  piety.     I  may  juftly  here  fpeak  in  praife  of 
our  countrymen,  that,  with  whomfoever  they  had  a  war, 
no  fooner  were  hoftilities  over,  but  they  forgot  all  enmity* 
yet  would  never  ftiew  a  friendly  inclination  to  the  Afiatics] 
though  they  courted   their   friendftiip  with  prefcnts   and 
great  advantages.     So  juft,  fo  natural  a  refentment  they 
have  againft  them,  that  many  of  our  forefathers  have  con- 
demned perfons  to  death,  who,  they  thought,  favoured  the 
Medes  power ;  and,  in  public  aflemblies,  even  now  they 
imprecate  curfes  upon  thofe,  who  dare  propofe  to  the  citi- 
zens peace  with  the  Barbarians.     The  Eumolpid^  and  he- 
ralds,   upon  this  national  hatred  of  the  Perfians,   forbid 
other  Barbarians  entering  to  celebrate  the  religious  ceremo- 
niesii  juft  as  they  do  known  murderers :  nay,  weLVe  natu- 

G  2  rally 


if 


\ 


v^ 


S4         The    ORATIONS 

rally  fuch  a  hoftile  mind  towards  them,  that  we  take  the 
moft  pleafure  in  thofe  fables,  which  relate  to  the  Trojan 
andPerfian  affairs  j  becaufe  we  learn,  by  them,  their  cala- 
mities.    Some  have  made,  upon  account  of  war  with  the 
Barbarians,  hymns  in  honour  of  the  gods ;  but,  upon  ac- 
count of  our  inteftine  contentions,  dirges  and  lamenta- 
tions *  the  firft  are  fung  in  feftivals,  but  the  latter  mourn- 
fully repeated  on  public  difaftcrs.    I  really  believe,  Homer's 
divine  pocfy  was  more  admired  on  account  that  he  writes 
a  defcription  of  battles  with  Barbarians ;  it  Was,  in  my  judg- 
ment, this  which  difpofed  our  anccftors  to  make  his  art  ho- 
nourable in  the  liberal  excrcifes,  and  in  the  education  of 
youth,  that,  by  often  hearing  thofe  poems,  we  might  all  of 
us  imbibe  a  native  detcftation  of  the  Barbarians ;  and,  at 
the  fame  time  kindling  with  the  noble  emulation  of  thofe 
heroes  who  fought  againft  Troy,  might  afpire  one  day  to 

imitate  their  heroifm. 

Wherefore,  as  I  have  before  fald,  numberlefs  reafons 
exhort  us  to  make  war  with  the  Perfians ;  efpecially  thio^ 
prefent  opportunity,  which  we  ought  not  to  omit,  as  none 
can  be  better :  and  it  would  certainly  be  a  (hame  not  to  take 
advantage  of  it,  but  regret  it  when  it  is  pafled.     What 
advantages  can  we  defire  in  undertaking  war  with  the  king, 
which  we  do  not  now  enjoy  ?     Has  not  Egypt  and  Cyprus 
revolted  from  him  ?     Phoenicia  and  Syria  are  ruined  by  the 
war;  nay.  Tyre,  which  he  gloried  in,  is  now  poffefTed  by 
his  demies :  befides,  moft  of  the  cities  of  Cilicia  are  in  the 
hands  of  thofe  who  are  in  our  intereft,  and  it  is  not  difficult 
for  us  to  bring  over  the  reft  to  our  party  ;  but  no  one  of 
the  Perfians  ever  was  mafter  of  Lycia :  Hecatomnus,  the 
fatrape  of  Caria,  has  a  long  time  ago,  in  reality,  revolted 
from  the  eaftern  monarchy  ;  he  will  declare  himfelf  when- 
ever we  pleafe.     From  Cnidos  as  far  as  Sinope,  Grecians 
pofTefs  the  outfkirts  of  Afia ;  whom  we  need  not  endeavour 
to  perfuadc  to  make  war,  but  only  not  hinder  them  from 
toafcng  it.     Now  fuch  being  the  favourable  circumftanccs, 
^nd  fttch  a  conflagration  ready  to  furround  Afia  on  all  fides, 

what 


Hi 


a 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         85 

what  difficulty  is  there  of  forming  a  conjeiShire  of  the  event, 
or  what  need  of  enlarging  upon  our  advantages  ?  for  if  we 
fee  them  far  inferior  to  feparate  parts,  how  can  they  refift, 
if  they  contend  with  us  all  united  ?  This  is  the  fa6l,  / 
Should  the  Barbarian  throw  greater  forces  into  thofe  cities 
which  are  near  the  fea,  than  he  has  hitherto  done,  the 
iflands  adjoining  to  the  continent  muft  deperid  on  the  king's 
power;  fuch  are  Rhodes,  Samos,  and  Chios:  but  if  we 
ftiould  feize  them  firft,  it  will  probably  happen,  that  Ly- 
dia,  Phrygia,  and  all  the  adjacent  parts,  muft  be  in  the 
power  of  thofe  who  prevent  the  others.  Therefore  we 
ought  to  lofe  no  time,  to  make,  in  fine,  no  delay,  left  we 
fuff^r  what  happened  formerly  to  our  fathers ;  for  they,  be-* 
ing  ]e(s  ready  than  the  Barbarians,  and  having  defcrted 
fome  of  their  auxiliaries,  were  obliged,  "Hough  a  few,  to  ' 
fight  againft  an  innumerable  multitude  ;  at  a  time  when, 
by  a  quick  defcent  upon  the  continent  with  all  the  Grecian 
forces,  they  might  have  fubdued,  feparatcly,  every  one  of 
thofe  nations  :  Tor  it  is  evident,  the  policy  of  war  requires,  ^^^ 
in  the  neccility  of  refifting,  the  colledled  forces  of  a  vafl 
empire,  that  we  (hould  not  wait  till  they  are  all  afTembled 
and  joined,  but  fet  upon  them  while  they  are  divided  and 
difperfed ;  therefore,  though  they  committed  an  error  at 
iirft,  yet,  by  their  undaunted  courage  in  danger,  and  by 
their  heroic  a6lions,  they  remedied  their  error  and  indifcre- 
tion :  but  if  we  are  wife,  we  (hail  take  care  in  the  begin« 
ning,  and  difappoint  the  enemy,  by  firft  forming  a  camp 
near  Lydia  and  Ionia ;  for  the  king  has  not  the  inhabitants 
of  the  continent  willing  fubjedts,  but  enflaved  only  by  a 
juperior  prefent  power :  and  fhould  we  once  tranfport  better 
and  ftronger  troops,  which,  if  we  pleafe,  we  may  eafily 
do^  we  may  then,  I  doubt  it  not,  be  mafters  of  all  Afia. 

Now,  certainly  it  is  more  for  the  honour  of  Greece, 
that  he  fhould  fight  for  the  defence  of  his  own  capital  and 
palace,  than  difpute  with  us  for  univerfal  monarchy :  and, 
methinks^  all  ihould  be  animated  to  this  expedition,  that 
this  generation,  which  has  been  fufFerers  by  the  Perfians, 

G  3  (hould 


86         The    ORATIONS 

fhould  indemnify,  or  rather  reward  themfelves  by  their 
fpoils,  and  not  confume  their  lives  paffively  in  calamities 
and  oppreffion.  Let  the  paft  time  fuffice,  in  which  what 
degree  of  mifery  and  diftrefs  did  we  not  fufFer  ?  And  tho* 
human  nature  is  fubjedl  to  fuch  a  variety  of  evils,  we  even 
added  to  this  inevitable  calamity,  and  improved  all  by  our 
unnatural  wars  and  divifions :  fo  that  many  perifhed  in 
their  native  places  by  injuftice,  and  others  wandered  in  fo- 
reign parts  with  their  wives  and  children ;  nay,  feveral  were 
forced,  by  their  indigence,  to  enter  into  the  fervice  of  the 
common  enemy,  and  fell  in  battle  fighting  againft  their  very 
friends  and  countrymen :  for  which  public  calamities  none 
hitherto  have  fhewn  that  fuitable  grief  which  they  ought  ; 
though  they  will  often  burft  into  tears  at  a  theatrical  repre- 
fentation,  or  the  fable  of  a  poet ;  and,  at  the  fame  time  that 
they  fee  the  terrible  devaftations  of  war,  they  can  look  upon 
all  unconcerned,  and  without  the  emotions  of  a  juit  ratio- 
nal commiferation  :  nay,  many  take  more  pleafure  in  their 
countrymens  mifery,  than  their  own  tranquillity.  What 
an  amazing  brutiflinefs  and  infenfibility  is  this  I 

And,  perhaps,  fome  will  even  fmile  at  my  fimplicity, 
that  I  lament  private  miferies,  at  a  time  when  Italy  is  ruined, 
Sicily  reduced  to  flavery,  fo  many  cities  furrendered  to  the 
Barbarian,  and  all  the  remaining  parts  of  Greece  in  the 
cxtremeft  danger.  I  wonder  how  thofe,  who  prefide  in 
cities,  can  pretend  to  courage  and  generofity,  for  mere  felf- 
convicSling  {hame,  fince  they  have  hitherto  neither  dared  to 
fpeak  or  freely  think  of  thefe  things :  certainly  it  became 
men  of  fuch  ftation,  if  they  are  worthy  of  their  honours, 
omitting  all  other  concerns,  to  have  been  authors  of  a 
common  war  againft  the  Barbarians,  and  given,  to  this 
end,  their  united  counfels  :  perhaps  they  would  have  pre- 
vailed ;  but  had  they  died  before  the  effedl,  they  would  at 
leaft  have  left  their  harangues  as  fo  many  oracles  for  pofte- 
rity.  Now,  tho'  they  are  clad  with  the  greateft  dignities 
and  honours,  yet  they  amufe  themfelves  with  the  gratifica- 
tion of  unworthy  low  paiEons,  and  have  left  to  fuch  as  us, 

who 


o 


twnwir 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        87 

who  are  remote  from  public  bufinefs,  the  deliberation  and 
counfel  about  fuch  a  glorious,  advantageous  enterprize,  if 
happily  conducted,  and  brought,  by  virtue  and  bravery,  to 
a  good  conclufion.     The  more  pufillanimous,  then,  and>^^ 
abjecSt-minded  our  minifters  of  ftate  appear,  we  all  of  us 
ought  fo  i?iuch  the  more  emuloufly  to  endeavour  to  put  an 
end  to  our  wild,  unnatural  diffenfions ;  for,  till  this  is  effec- 
tually done,  we  in  vain  would  treat  of  peace ;  we  do  not 
extinguifh,  but  delay  our  wars,  and  we  wait  the  opportunity 
of  doing  one  another  fome  irretrievable  evil :  but  we  ought, 
with  all  care,  to  banifli  from  amongft  us  thefe  animofities, 
and  undertake  fuch  defigns  and  actions,  whereby  we  may 
more  fafely  inhabit  our  own  cities,  and  may  be  more  bene- 
volently difpofed  among  ourfelves.     The  reafoning  necef-     ^ 
fary  to  prove  the  utility  of  my  laft  propofition,  is  very 
cafy ;  for  it  is,  I  fay,  an  impoffibility  to  have  a  lafting 
peace,  unlefs  we  fight,  m  a  general  alliance,  againft  the  A 
Barbarians;  nor  ever  be  at  union  among  ourfelves,  unlefs 
we  contract  friendftiips  betwixt  our  ftates,  and  enter  unani- 
moufly  into  war  againft  the  Perfians.     If  we  do  this,  and 
remedy  our  prefent  diftrefies,  which  are  of  fuch  a  kind  as  V 
naturally  diflblve  amities,  and  fet  even  relations  at  variance; 
and  difturb  all  mankind  with  Vars  and  feditions  ;  I  fay,  if 
we  once  do  this,  it  cannot  be  otherwife  but  that  we  muft 
be  united,  and  have  a  well-cemented  friendfliip  and  concord 
amongft  ourfelves.     To  this  end,  we  muft,  as  foon  as  pof-  y^ 
fible,  transfer  the  war  to  the  continent :  and  let  us,  at  leaft, 
enjoy  this  advantage  from  our  fatal  experience  of  the  mife- 
ries arifmg  from  inteftine  quarrels,  that  we  all,  as  one  man, 
turn  our  arms  upon  the  eaftern  nations. 

But  fome,  perhaps,  will  object,  that,  upon  account  of 
treaties,  we  ought  to  be  cautious,  and  not  halten  the  raifing 
an  army ;  fince,  on  account  of  thefe  treaties,  the  free  cities 
look  upon  themfelves  obliged  to  the  king,  as  being  by  him 
left  to  govern  themfelves  by  their  own  laws ;  and  thofe 
which  are  furrendered  up  to  the  Barbarians,  particularly 
accufe  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  others  who  have  accepted 

G  4  of 


88 


The    ORATIONS 


of  the  peace,  as  if  they  were  by  their  means  pu{hed  into 
flavery.     But  let  fuch  tell  me,  why  fuch  a  peace  (hould  not 
be  diflblved,  whereby  an  opinion  prevails,  that  the  Perfian  i$ 
the  patron  of  Greece,  and  the  guardian  of  its  tranquillity ; 
and,  on  the  contrary,  that  fome  of  our  own  countrymen 
opprefs  and  ruin  their  native  country.     But  this  is  the  moft 
abfurd  of  alJ,  that  we  keep  to  the  very  conditions,  which  are 
the  moft  iniquitous  in  thefe  treaties  ;  for  thofe  agreements, 
whereby  all  the  iflands,  as  well  as  towns,  fituated  in  Europe, 
were  declared  free  and  independent,  thefe  have  been  long 
abrogated,  and  exift  now  in  vain  only  upon  pillars.     As  for 
thofe  terms,  which  ^e  an  infamy  to  us,  and  have  ruined 
many  of  our  alliesji  they  remain  fixed,  and  are  held  facred, 
which  ought  to  be  cancelled,  and  not  fuiFered  to  continue 
in  force  a  day.     We  ought  to  judge  them  impofitions,  and 
not  free  agreements ;  for  who  is  ignorant,  that  thefe  only- 
are  conventions,which  are  made  upon  equal  footing  betwixt 
the  two  parties  ?  but  that  thefe  terms  are  imperious  com- 
mands, which  opprefs  one  party  contrary  to  equity,  while 
they  exalt  the  other :  wherefore  we  may  juftly  blame  thofe 
cmbafTadors,  who,  commiflioned  by  the  Greeks,  made  a 
peace  fo  advantageous  to  the  Barbarians ;  for  it  became 
them,  had  they  judged  it  right,  that  each  (hould  keep  their 
own  lands,  and  have  the  property  of  their  captives,  or 
(hould  pofTefs  what  each  enjoyed  in  the  time  of  the  laft 
peace ;  it  became  them,  I  fay,  to  have  defined  one  or  other 
of  thefe  things  with  impartiality,  and  made  the  treaties 
accordingly.  Now,  they  have  confulted  neither  the  honour 
of  ours,  or  the  city  of  Lacedaemon  j  but  have  conftituted 
the  Perfian  lord  of  all  Afia,  as  if  we  had  been  fighting  for  his 
advantage,  and  as  if  the  Perfian  empire  had  been  founded 
of  old,  but  we  had  only  of  late  inhabited  our  cities ;  and 
not  according  to  tnith,  as  if  they  had  but  lately  acquired 
this  honour,  but  we  had,  in  every  age,  the  precedency  in 
Greece.     I  believe  I  (hall  demonftrate  bed,  in  the  following 
manner,  the  indignity  done  us,  and  the  encroachment  of 
tW  Barbarians :  The  whole  world  being  divided  into  two 

parts, 


y 


^ 


k 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         89 

parts,  the  one  Afia,  and  the  other  Europe,  he  has  acquired, 
by  convention,  the  half,  as  (baring  the  globe  with  Jupiter, 
and  not  having  it  allowed  by  the  covenants  of  men:  he  has 
oblif^ed  us,  after  having  engraved  them  on  ftone-pillars,  to 
fix  thefe  infamous  treaties  in  our  public  temples,  a  nobler' 
trophy  than  is  eredled  for  a  viftory :  fuch  trophies  are  often 
raifed  for  inconfiderable  actions,  or  one  event  of  war;  but 
thefe  monuments  are  fo  many  public  aflertions  of  his  fupe- 
periority  in  the  whole  war,  and  over  all  Greece,  Certainly 
we  ought  to  rcfent  fuch  a  glaring  injury,  meditate  how  we 
may  take  revenge,  and  prevent  fuch  abufes  for  the  future  ; 
for  it  is  a  fhame  to  have  the  Barbarians  as  flaves  in  our 
houfes,  and  fufFer  fo  many  friends  and  allies  to  be  enflavedj 
by  them.  Thofe  who  fought  in  the  Trojan  war,  on  ac-- 
count  of  the  rape  of  one  woman,  were  fo  inflamed  with 
refentment,  that  they  would  not  defift,  till  they  had  levelled 
the  city  of  the  ravifher  with  the  duft,  and  left  not  a  mark 
of  its  fituation ;  but  we  are  fo  far  from  fuch  a  noble  cou- 
rage, that  though  all  Greece  has  been  ignominioufly  in- 
jured, yet  we  have  taken  no  public  vengeance,  though  wc 
might  have  fuch  fuccefs  in  the  enterprize,  as  we  ourfelves 
could  wi(h  in  retaliation  ;  for  a  war  with  the  Perfians  is 
the  only  war  more  eligible  than  peace,  and  would  be  more 
like  an  agreeable  fpedacle  thjin  a  military  expedition:  it 
would  likewife  be  advantageous  to  both  forts  of  Grecians, 
both  thofe  who  delight  in  peace,  and  thofe  who  love  a£lioa 
and  war  j  for  the  firft  might  moft  fecurely,  by  this  means, 
enjoy  their  pofFeflions,  and  the  latter  amafs  riches  and  plenty 
by  the  fpoil  of  the  Barbarians. 

If  any  one  will  make  a  ferious  refle£lion  upon  what  I 
have  faid,  and  turn  his  thoughts  on  all  fides,  he  will  find 
fuch  condu£l  the  moft  beneficial  for  our  country ;  for,  in 
the  firft  place,  againft  whom  would  fuch  make  war,  who 
are  above  injuftice,  'and  have  nothing  butreafon  and  equity 
in  their  view  ?  Would  it  not  certainly  be  againft  thofe, 
who  have  frequently  oppreffed  Greece,  are  now  forming 
j>ernicious  defigns  againft  it,  and  were  always  in  the  fame 

difpo- 


] 


(^         The    ORATIONS 

J  difpofition  ?  Again,  Whom  is  it  juft  for  thofe  who  are 
not  cowards,  though  they  would  make  war  with  modera- 
tion, to  envy,  but  fuch  as  aiTume  to  themfelves  more  than 
human  power  and  honours,  though  they  are  unworthy  of 
an  equal  degree  of  happinefs  with  our  diftreiTed  country- 
men ?  Againft  whom,  I  fay,  Qught  thofe  to  bear  arms, 
who  either  regard  religion  and  piety  towards  the  gods,  or 
utility  and  their  own  emolument  and  advantage  ?  Is  it  not 
againft  fuch  as  are  naturally  enemies,  the  haters  of  our 
country  and  its  laws,  and,  at  the  fame  time  poflefs  thofe 
enormous  riches,  which  they  dare  not  bravely  to  defend  ? 
Are  they  not,  upon  all  thefe  accounts,  worthy  of  our  ut- 
moft  profecution  ?  Certainly  they  are.  Nor  fhall  we  dif- 
Irefs  any  of  our  cities,  by  raifing  forces  in  them,  which 
was  an  odious  undertaking,  and  juftly,  in  our  civil  wars  ; 
for  I  fhink  thofe  will  be  fewer,  who  chufe  to  ftay  at  home, 
than  thofe  who  will  be  eager  to  join  in  the  expedition. 
Who  is  too  young,  or  too  old,  who  would  not  be  glad  to 
have  a  (hare  in  an  expedition,  conducted  by  the  Athenians 
and  Lacedaemonians,  for  the  liberty  of  all  our  countrymen 
and  allies,  while  Greece  is  united  to  take  revenge  on  the 
cruelties  of  the  Barbarians  ?  Now,  what  everlafting  fame 
and  glory  muft  thofe  who  furvive,  or  thofe  that  die,  obtain, 
that  behave  with  the  greateft  bravery  in  fuch  a  noble  enter- 
prize  ?  For  if  thefe  who  took  revenge  on  Paris,  and  over- 
threw one  city,  received  fuch  extraordinary  praife,  what 
encomiums  may  they  hope  for,  who  fhall  conquer  all  Afia  ? 
Is  there  a  poet,  or  an  orator,  who  will  not  lal^our,  who 
will  not  do  his  utmoft,  by  his  eloquence  and  knowledge,  to 
(hew  both  his  own  exalted  fentiments,  and  immortalize  fuch 
heroic  valour  and  virtue  ? 

I  OWN,  I  have  not  the  farfte  thought  I  had  in  the  begin- 
ning of  this  oration  :  I  imagined  then,  that  I  could  fpeak 
worthily  of  my  fubjedl ;  but  I  am  now  fenfible  I  cannot 
equal  its  dignity,  and  that  many  things  have  efcaped  me, 
that  fhould  have  been  mentioned.  You  therefore  fhould 
confider,  as  well  as  I  do,  what  great  happinefs  we  fhall  be 

poficfTed 


of    ISOCRATES. 


9» 


^msS 


pofiefled  of,  if  we  change  our  inteftine  wars  into  a  noble  ^ 
war  againft  the  Afiatics,  and  transfer  their  riches  and  luxu-  ' 
rious  plenty  into  Europe :  I  fay,  we  fhould  believe  this, 
nor,  after  hearing  this  oration,  go  away  unconcerned ;  but 
whoever  amongft  us  are  capable,  fhould  do  their  utmoft  to 
reconcile  Athens  and  Lacedaemon  :  and  all  orators  fhould 
defift  from  other  trifling  harangues  about  the  concerns  of 
private  life,  and  endeavour  to  enflame  their  countrymen 
with  more  heroic  fentiments  than  I  have  in  the  prefent  difl 
courfe,  with  which  I  have  entertained  this  afTembly ;  judg- 
ing it  beneath  truly  learned  men,  and  afFedlionate  to  their 
country,  to  make  fuch  harangues,  as  will  not  better  the  flate 
and  lives  of  their  hearers,  but  fuch  whereby  the  prefent 
public  diftrefs  will  be  remedied,  and  they  become  autfiorsof 
the  greateft  national  happinefs. 


r 


THE 


'/ 


THE    FIFTH 


O  R  A  1  I 


N 


O  F 


IS  O  CRATES 


ADDRESSED   TO 


King    PHILIP 


[95] 


The    SUBJECT. 

» 

n^HERE  are  two  chief  parts  of  this  oration : 
thefrjy  as  in  the  Panegyric,  has  in  'view 
the  reconciliation  of  the  Grecian  cities ;  the  other , 
a  common  expedition  againji  the  Barbarians,  "the 
praife  of  Philip  is  but  acceffory,  as  inducive  to 
inter eji  him  infuch  a  glorious  enterprise ,  being 
the  properejl  perfon  to  cemejit  all  parties  in  amity ^ 
end  conduct  the  united  forces  of  Greece. 


\  \ 


T"     3  ! 


\ 


THE    FIFTH 


Oration  of  Isocrates, 


ADDRESSED    TO 


i^^ 


King    PHILIP. 


WONDER  not,  O  Philip!  that  I  draw  not  the 
exordium  of  this  difcourfe  from  my  prefent 
fubjea,  and  defigned  oration,  but  from  that 
difcourfe  which  was  written  before,  on  account  of  Amphi- 
polis.  Let  me  premife  a  few  words,  that  I  may  (hew  to 
you  and  others,  how  it  was  not  out  of  imprudence,  or  a 
fickly  fancy,  occafioned  by  my  ill  ftate  of  health,  that  I 
have  prefumed  to  fend  you  this  oration ;  but  for  folid  rea- 
fons,  and  after  mature  confideration  :  for  having  obferved 
the  war  which  happened  betwixt  you  and  our  city,  on  ac- 
count of  Amphipolis,  to  have  been  the  caufe  of  many  ca- 
lamities, I  endeavoured  to  fpeak  in  fuch  a  manner  con- 
cerning this  city,  and  the  adjacent  country,  as  none  of  your 
friends,  or  our  orators,  have  done  before  me,  but  in  as  dif- 
ferent a  method  as  poflible.  They  exhorted  both  to  war,  in 
compliance  with  your  inclinations  :  I  have  not  touched 
at  all  upon  things  lefs  evident,  and  in  difpute ;  but  I  have 
omitted  none  of  thofe  reafons  which  I  thought  the  moft  con- 
ducive  to  peace,  and  a  mutual  good  underftanding  betwixt 
both  ftates,  proving,  that  you  both  equally  miftake  your 
real  intereftsj  that  you  are  fighting  for  our  advantage,  and 

we 


^6         The    ORATIONS 

JVC  to  cncreafe  your  power.  It  is  indeed  your  advantage 
to  have  an  authority  in  the  neighbouring  region,  but  not 
ptudence  in  us  to  take  this  city  by  force  :  and,  methinks,  I 
have  fo  handled  thefe  topics,  that  none  will  fo  much  praife 
this  oration>  upon  account  of  the  purity  and  accuracy  of, 
the  ftilej  as  fom<i  have  been  accuftomed  to  do  my  other 
orations ;  but  they  will  more  efteem  the  folid  reafons  and 
matters  of  (z£k  inferted  in  it,  whereby  I  make  it  evidfent| 
Aat  there  is  no  pofTibility  of  putting  an  end  to  our  unhappy 
contentions,  unlefs  you  yourfelf  becomfe  convinced,  that 
the  friendihip  of  Our  city  is  of  more  value  than  any  re* 
venues  which  can  arife  to  you  from  the  pofleflion  of  Am- 
phipolis  i  and  urtlefs  oUr  city  be  once  perfuaded,  that  they 
ought  not  to  be  defirous  of  making  fuch  colonies,  where  the 
inhabitants  have  three  or  four  times  fucceffively  been  ruined; 
but  pitch  upon  thofe  places,  which  are  removed  from  all 
fuch  as  may  opprefs  them,  but  near  to  fuch  as  are  accuf- 
tomed to  flavery.  In  fuch  a  place  the  Lacedaemonians 
eftablifhed  a  colony  at  Cyrenae.  Now,  I  hope,  I  fhall  not 
fail  of  my  prefent  defign,  if  you  are  perfuaded,  that  tho'  in 
words  you  furrender  the  city  to  us,  yet  you  will  fiill,  in  fa6^^ 
be  mailer  of  it,  and  gain  our  perpetual  friendfhip  befidcs  ;  ^ 
for  you  will  have  as  many  hoftages  of  our  friendfhip,  as 
we  fhall  fend  perfons  from  hence  into  the  neighbourhood  of 
your  kingdom.  I  will  endeavour  to  pcrfuade  our  multitude 
to  believe,  as  they  fhould,  that  if  we  take  Amphipolis,  we 
fhall  flill  be  as  much  obliged  to  keep  up  a  good  underfland- 
ing  with  you,  and  favour  all  your  defigns,  upon  account  of 
our  citizens  there,  as  we  were  obliged  to  maintain  a  cor* 
refpondence  with  Medocus  in  old  times,  upon  account  of 
our  hufbandmen  in  the  Cherfonefus.  Such  being  the  rea- 
fons I  propofed  to  my  fellow-citizens,  towards  an  amicable 
accommodation,  all  that  heard  them  hoped,  that,  fhould  my 
difcourfe  be  difperfed,  we  fhould  compofe  our  prefent  diffe- 
rences, and,  with  emulation,  confult  fome  common  good. 
Wherefore,  whether  they  judged  prudently  thus  or  not,  I 
think  it  is  but  jufl  they  fhould  be  refponfible  themfelves  for 

me. 


\ 


oflSOCRATES.         gf 

tt*.     While  I  had  my  thoughts  employed  about  this  defign, 
you  both  prevented  me,  before  I  had  flhifhed  my  difcourfe^ 
by  concluding  a  peace  with  great  and  laudable  prudence  ; 
for,  upon  any  terms,  peace  was  better  for  both,  than  thofe 
calamities  which  both  were  diflrefl'ed  with  by  fo  deflruaive 
a  war.     Being  on  this  occafion  filled  with  joy^  for  the  ra- 
tification  of  a  wifhed-for  peace,  and  judging  it  would  not 
only  be  beneficial  to  us,  but  to  all  Greece,  I  could  not  defifl 
entirely  from  my  firfl  defign  ;  but  I  refolved  to  confider  the 
method  of  making  our  happinefs  lafling,  and  thereby  pre- 
vent our  city  from  breathing  but  a  fmall  time,  in  order  to 
re-commence  again  the  fame  fcenes  of  confufion.  Reflecl- 
ing,  as  I  faid,  upon  fuch  a  method,  I  found  it  would  be  in 
vam  to  hope  Athens  would  Jong  continue  quiet,  unlefs  the 
chief  cities  of  Greece,  being  united,  and  forgetting  all  en- 
mity,  fhould  transfer  the  war  into  Afia,  and  there  endea. 
vour  to  gain  by  valour  all  thofe  rewards  of  bravery,  which 
they  have  fo  long  cruelly  fought  for  in  their  own  country. 
And  though  I  have  treated  of  the  fame  fubjea  in  my  ora- 
tion called  the  Panegyric,  yet,  judging  I  could  never  find 
out  a  nobler  hypothefis,  nor  more  recommended  by  novel- 
ty, or  conducive  to  public,  univerfal  good,  I  have  refolved 
to  attempt  the  fame  topic  once  more ;  tho'  I  am  not  igno* 
rant  of  my  own  circumftances,  and  that  fuch  an  oration 
does  not  fo  well  fuit  with  a  perfon  of  my  advanced  age,  but 
rather  requires  a  perfon  in  the  very  blofTom  and  vigour  of 
life,  and  who  furpafTes  others  in  the  excellency  of  his  ge- 
nius. Add  to  this,  I  am  thoroughly  fenfible  of  the  difficulty 
of  writing  twice  upon  the  famefubjea;  efpecially  whenmy 
former  publifhed  difcourfe  has  been  fo  diligently  laboured, 
that  my  very  rivals,  though  they  envy,  imitate  it,  and,  in 
fadl,  admire  it  more  than  thofe  who  beflow  on  it  the  mofl 
exaggerated  praifes:  but,  taking  courage  under  all  thefe  dif- 
advantages,  I  am  fo  inflamed,  in  my  old  age,  with  the  love 
of  glory,  as  to  entertain  the  hope  of  making  it  clear  both  to 
thofe  who  fpeak  with  you,  and  thofe  who  converfe  with  me 
as  difciples,  that  to  4>€  noify  in  public  afTemblies,  and  ha- 

H  ranguc 


98  The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

rangue  a  gathered  multitude,  is  at  beft  but  talking  to  Ac 
wind  :  f(K  fuch  orations  are  juft  as  vain  as  thofe  idle  laws 
and  forms  of  government,  which  have  been  invented  bf 
dreaming  fophifts  and  philofophers.     But  it  becomes  thofe, 
who  would  not  trifle  to  no  purpofe,  but  efFea  fome  good, 
and  benefit  the  public,  to  let  others  make  popular  harangues, 
while  they  pitch  upon  fome  perfon  capable  of  putting  in 
praaice  their  advice,  who  can  enforce  it  by  their  eloquence 
and  actions  j  I  fay,  they  ought  to  chufe  out  fuch  a  one,  if 
they  can   find  any  pofTelTed  of  this  exalted  excellence: 
Which  I  being  fenfible  of,  chofe  to  dired  my  difcourfe  to 
you;  not  feeking  to  model  it  with  a  view  of  gaining  yout 
favour,  which,  notwithftanding  I  own,  I  fbould  fetajuft 
and  hif'h  value  on  ;  but  my  true  reafen  was,  becaufe  I  faw 
many  of  great  capacity  living  in  fuch  republics,  and  under 
fuch  fevere  laws,  that  they  could  aa  nothing,  but  by  or- 
ders ;  befides,  I  faw  them  unequal  to  the  tafk  of  fuch  an 
arduous  undertaking,  as  I  fliall  mention  ;  while  I  perceived 
you  invefted  with  an  abfolute  power  of  fending  embafTadors 
to  whom  ymi  pleafed,  and  admitting  them  with  the  fame 
freedom,  as  well  as  declaring,  without  the  leaft  reftraint, 
your  wifeft  fentiments.     Befides,  I  am  confcious,  that  you' 
furpafs  all  the  Grecians  in  power  and  riches,  which  fuperio- 
rity  is  particularly  |fi-opcr  for  perfuafion  or  compulfion ;  and 
I  am  equally  conviiKcd,  that  what  I  (hall  fay,will  i>eed  both, 
before  it  can  be  executed :  for  it  is  my  purpofe  to  exhort 
you  to  reconcile  the  Greeks,  and  head  them,  as  general, 
againft  the  Barbarians-     To  perfuade  you  to  head  the  com- 
mon army,  is  certainly  to  defer  to  you  the  highefl  honours, 
and  to  engage  my  country  in  a  war  with  Afia,  is  evidently 
to  confult  the  public  good.     The  whole  fcope  of  my  ora- 
'tion,  then,  is  thefe  two  points. 

I  SHALL  not  here  conceal  from  you,  that  fome  of  my 
friends  have  given  me  fome  trouble  upon  this  fubjca  ;  and 
I  think  it  will  not  be  foreign  to  my  purpofe.  I  no  fooner 
told  them,  that  I  defigned  to  fend  you  an  oration,  that 
would  not  be  a  mere  difplay  of  eloquence,  or  an  encomium 

of 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         gf^ 

*f  your  paft  wars  (for  others  will  be  forward  enough  to  do 
this),  but  an  exhortation  to  nobler  and  more  glorious  ac- 
tions, and  worthier  of,  as  well  as  more  beneficial  to  you, 
than  thofe  you  are  now  engaged  in,  but  they  were  fo  a* 
mazed,  that  they  gave  me  openly  to  underftand,  that  they 
were  afraid  left  I  was  become  delirious  by  age  j  and,  what 
they  had  never  done  before,  began  to  reproach  me  for  un- 
dertaking a  rafh,  thoughtlefs  enterprize,  to  give  my  private 
advice  to  Philip  5  who,  fbould  he  formerly  have  imagined 
fome  other  prudenter  than  himfelf,  muft  certainly,  after  fuch 
great  fuccefsful  aaions,  believe  none  now  fo  capable  of  a 
folid  judgment,  in  public  affairs,  as  himfelf.     Befides,  con* 
tinued  they,  there  are  conftantly  with  him  the  wifeft  Mace* 
donians,  who,  tho'  they  fhould  not  be  fo  experienced  in 
fome  things,  yet  muft  furely  be  allowed  to  know  better  than      ' 
you  what  is  moft  conducive  to  his  intereft  and  glory.  There 
are  likewife,  at  his  court,  many  Grecians  of  diftinguifhed 
abilities,  by  communicating  his  fentiments  with  whom,  he 
has  not  leflTened  his  kingdom,  but  enlarged  it  in  a  manner 
iporthy  of  his  wifhes.     What  has  he  failed  of?  Has  he  not 
fo  humbled  and  brought  over  to  his  intereft  the  Thefla- 
lians,  who  formerly  ruled   over  the  Macedonians,   that 
they  have  more  confidence  in  him  than  their  own  country- 
men ?     As  for  the  neighbouring  citie<^,  has  he  not  made 
fome  of  them  his  auxiliaries,  by  his  kincj  aaions  and  gaitc. 
rofity,  and  erafcd  others,  who  obftinately  oppofed  him  f 
Has  he  not  conquered  the  Magnefians,  the  Perrebrci,  and 
the  Paeonians,  and  taken  them  under  his  proteaion  and 
obedience  ?     Is  he  not  become  lord  and  mafter  of  all  the 
Illyrians,  except  thofe  who  inhabit  the  Adriatic  coaft  ?  Has 
he  not  conftituted  governors  in  Thrace,  whom  he  pkafed  ? 
Will  not  fuch  a  potentate,  who  has  performed  fuch  won- 
ders^ condemn  the  folly  of  that  perfon,  who  will  fend  him 
a  pamphlet,  and  think  he  neither  knows  the  power   of 
eloquence,  or  of  his  own  genius  ?     What  my  furprize 
was,  when  I  firft  heard  this,  and  what  my  anfwers,  when 
I  had  a  little  recolleaed  myfelf,  I  fhall  omit  here,  left 

H  2  I  fhould 


100        The    b  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

I  fhould  feem  to  feek  my  own  praife  •,  for  having  confuted 
them  with  civility  ;   having  made  them  thoroughly  fenfiblc 
of  their  miftalce  (for  fo  I  judged),  who  had  at  firft  blamed 
me,  I  promifed  them,   that  I  would  fhew  my  oration  to 
them  alone  of  all  our  citizens,  and  would  do  nothing  in 
this  refpecl,  but  by  their  advice.     Having  heard  this  an- 
fwcr,  they  left  me,  I  know  not  with  what  resd  fentiments  ; 
but,  in  a  few  days,  they  came  to  me  again,  and  I  having 
fini/hed  the  difcourfe,  (hewed  it  to  them.    On  a  fudden  they 
were  fo  changed,  that  they  feemed  alhamed  of  their  former 
reafoning  and  reprehenfion   of  my  defign  :  they  acknow- 
ledged, that  they  had  never  been  fo  miftaken  in  a  thing  of 
fuch  confequence  ;  and,  upon  this,  exhorted  me  to  fend  you 
as  foon  as  poffible  this  oration.     They  added,  that  they 
hoped,  that  you  and  our  city  would  have  a  fenfe  of  gratitude 
to  me ;  nor  only  you,    but  all  Greece,  for  fuch  a  noble 
intention.     For  tHis  reafon,  I  have  faid  fo  much  by  way  of 
preface  to  you,  that,  if  any  thing  in  the  beginning  fhouI(J 
appear  either  not  credible,  impoflible,  or  unworthy  of  your 
undertaking,  you  might  not  be  averted  from  reading  the 
reft,  nor  indulge  the  fame  precipitancy  as  my  acquaintance; 
but  wait  the  conclufion  with  an  equitable  attention  ;  .for  I 
hope  to  fay  what  becomes  me,  and  will  be  advantageous  to 
you,  as  welt  as  glorious.     But  I  am  not  ignorant,  how  far 
Si  difcourfe,  that  is  read,  falls  fhort  of  one  that  is  heard,  in 
the  eificacy  of  perfuafion  ;  yet  it  is  by  no  means  true,  what 
fome  pretend,  that  the  latter  fort  of  difcourfes  have  in  view 
fome  generous  and  urgent  actions,  but  the  firft  have  only 
oftentation,  and  a  profpecl  of  reward.     The  difadvantagc 
tho*  of  a  read  difcourfe  is  certainly  great;  for  when  an  ora- 
tion is  deprived  of  the   authority  of  the  fpcaker,  of  his 
voice,  the  frequent  popular  emotions  on  thefe  occafions, 
likewife  of  the  crifis  of  time,  and  the  public  zeal  for  the 
undertaking,  while  nothing  is  affifting  or  ftrengtheningthe 
argument;  when  an  oration,  I  fay,  is  ftripped  of  all  thefe 
circumftances,  and  only  read  with  an  even  voice,  without 
affedion^  and  the  diftindtion  of  the  writer's  zeal  and  cha- 

raderj 


•  "'ii 


"     f      , 

I    '^  ■ 

■-V-. 


Ii 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         101 

racier ;  I  fay,  in  this  cafe,  it  is  no  wonder,  if  a  well-written 
difcourfe  appears  flat,  and  no  ways  interefting  to  the  hearers. 
Which  prejudice  muft  affed  my  prefent  oratic>n,  and  ren- 
der it  of  lefs  weight  and  authority.  Nor  have  I  ornamented 
it  fo  much  as  ufual  with  figurative  didion  and  numbers, 
which  I  ufed  in  my  youth,  and  ftiewed  others,  by  example, 
how  they  might,  at  the  fame  time,  make  their  difcourfes 
both  more  agreeable  and  perfuafive ;  which,  by  reafon  of 
my  age,  I  cannot  now  effea.  But  it  will  be  fufficient, 
perhaps,  if  I  explain  my  reafons  with  perfpicuity :  and  I 
judge  indeed,  that  it  becomes  you  to  negledl  all  the  reft, 
and  only  attend,  in  a  harangue,  to  the  folidity  of  the  mo- 
tives ;  for,  by  this  means,  you  will  beft  judge  of  the  utility 
of  our  difcourfes,  if  you  ftop  not  at  the  difficulties  in  the 
writings  of  fophifts,  and  the  difadvantages  of  a  reader,  but, 
upon  a  thorough  knowledge,  weigh  the  truth  and  reafons 
of  a  difcourfe,  and  not  do  fo  flightly,  or  with  a  weak  at- 
tention, but  with  the  jufteft  prudence  and  logical  philofophy, 
which,  they  fay,  you  are  well  acquainted  with  ;  for,  exa- 
mining our  writings  in  this  manner,  you  will  judge  better 
of  them  than  by  popular  opinion.  I  here  conclude  all  I 
have  to  fay  by  way  of  preface,  and  now  I  fhall  proceed  to 
the  fadls,  and  fubjedt  of  my  difcourfe. 

I  SAY,  you  ought  to  negled  neither  your  own  interefts 
or  glory,  but  endeavour  to  reconcile,  as  a  common  friend, 
the  cities  of  Argos,  Lacedaemon,  Thebes,  and  Athens ;  for 
if  you  once  effedt  this,  I  believe,  you  will  have  little  diffi- 
culty of  bringing  the  reft  to  a  good  underftanding  :  for  all 
are  dependent  on  thefe,  and  have  recourfe  to  fome  one  of 
them  for  fuccours,  when  they  are  afraid,  or  diftrefted ;  fo 
that  if  you  happily  reconcile  four  cities  only,  you  free  all 
the  reft  from  dreadful  calamities.  You  will  find,  that  you 
ought  to  defpife  none  of  them,  if  you  confider  their  ac- 
tions towards  your  anceftors ;  for  you  will  perceive,  in 
each  of  them,  a  great  friendfliip  for  your  houfe,  and  a  great 
many  benefits  previous  to  any  obligations :  for  Argos  is  your 
country,  which  you  ought,  in  juftice,  to  make  the  fame 

H  3  account 


102        The    ORATIO^^S 

account  of  as  of  your  own  parents.     The  Thebans  honour 
the  head  of  your  family  with  revenues  and  facrifices  above 
all  the  other  gods ;  and  the  Lacedaemonians  have  committed 
their  kingdom  and  government  to  his  pofterity,  for  all  fuc- 
ceffive  generations.     Now  they  fay,  that  our  city  (if  we 
will  believe  antient  hiftory)  was  the  caufeof  Hercules's  im- 
mortalization (which  you  muft  have  heard  of,  but  it  is  not 
a  place  here  for  me  to  prove  its  truth),  and  the  fafety  of  his 
children ;  for  Athens  alone,  hazarding  the  greateft  dangers 
againft  the  forces  of  Euryftheus,  put  a  flop  to  his  injuftice, 
and  freed  Hercules's  defcendents  from  a  perpetual  fucceflion 
of  dangers ;  for  which  prefervation  there  was  certainly  a  juil 
gratitude  due  to  us  not  only  from  thofc  who  were  Ln  that 
time  faved,  but  from  thofe  now  living  ;  for  it  is  by  us  they 
live,  and  enjoy  all  their  profperity  :  and,  had  not  their  an- 
ceftors  been  faved  by  us,  they  themfelves  could  never  have 
'  had  an  exiftence.     And  fmce  all  the  cities  have  been  fuch 
towards  you,  you  ought  carefully  always  to  have  avoided 
every  difference  with  them  :  but  it  is  too  natural  for  us  all 
to  commit  errors,  oftner  than  do  perfedlly  jufl  and  wife  ac- 
tions.    What  has  happened  before,  vv^e  ought  not  to  impute 
to  any  particular,  but  take  the  utmofl  care  that  nothing  of 
a  like  nature  happen  for  the  future.     And  it  becomes  you 
to  confider  by  what  generous  adlions  done  thofe  cities,  you 
may  feem  to  behave  towards  them  worthily  of  yourfelf,  and 
their  dcferts  in  your  regard.     You  have  now  the  opportu- 
nity ;  for  if  youfhew  your  gratitude,  all  will  think  (upon 
account  of  the  long   intervening  time),   that  you  confer 
on  them  unmerited  favour  ;  and  it  is  glorious  to  be  judged 
the  benefador  of  great  cities,  and,  at  the  fame  time,  no- 
ways prejudice  yourfelf,  but  do  yourfelf  an  equal  good. 
Befides  other  advantages,  you  will  likewifc  gain  this,  that, 
if  you  have  ever  given  any  of  them  umbrage,  you  will,  by 
this  means,  the  mod  eificacioufly  dllTipate  it :  for  prefent 
generoHs   actions  will  eafily  induce  an   oblivion  of  our 
former  mutual  offences :  and,  befides,  it  is  certain,  ^that 
all  men  have  the  liveliefl  memory  of  thofe  good  deeds, 

which 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S.       lojf 

which  are  done  them  in  any  great  adveifity.  You  fee 
clearly  what  they  have  fufFered  by  war,  and  in  how  near  a 
cafe  they  were  to  thofc  of  private,  fighting  perfons ;  for 
fuch,  when  their  mutual  refentments  are  high,  it  is  out 
of  the  power  of  any  one  to  reconcile :  but  when  they  have 
difabled  each  other,  tho'  no  one  intervenes  to  compofe  the 
quarrels,  they  themfelves  put  an  end  to  their  broils;  which, 
I  believe,will  be  the  cafe  of  thefe  cities,  if  you  take  them  not 
under  your  confideration.  Perhaps  fome  perfons  will  re- 
prehend my  afTertions,  and  affirm,  that  I  advifeyou  to  un- 
dertake impoffibilities ;  that,  in  fa6t,  neither  the  Argives  . 
can  ever  become  fmcere  friends  to  the  Lacedaemonians,  nor 
the  Lacedaemonians  to  the  Thebans,  nor  any  of  thofe  who 
have  always  been  accuflomed  to  encroach  upon  their  neigh- 
bours, be  content  with  an  equality  with  their  countrymen. 
I  own,  wlien  our  city  had  the  pre-eminency,  and  after- 
wards the  Lacedaemonians,  I  own,  I  did  not  think  any 
thing  of  this  nature  could  be  executed  ;  for  either  of  them, 
would  have  eafily  difappointed  the  beft  concerted  counfels : 
but  I  have  not  the  fame  fentiments  of  our  public  affairs 
now ;  for  I  perceive  all  are  equalled  by  their  misfortunes  : 
fo  that  I  judge  they  will  be  ready  to  embrace  a  common 
good  from  concord,  rather  than  the  advantages  of  injuflicc 
from  a6lions  of  a  like  nature  with  their  former.  I  readily 
alfo  acknowledge,  that  no  other  but  you  can  reconcile  the(5j 
cities,  but  that  this  tafk  is  not  difficult  for  you;  on  the  con- 
trary, it  is  very  eafy :  for  I  fee,  that  you  have  effedledmany 
things,  which  mofl  men  thought  impoffible ;  fo  that  it  is 
not  improbable,  but  that  you  can  bring  this  enterprize  to  a 
happy  conclufion.  Now,  it  certainly  becomes  thofe  who 
excel,  and  have  exalted  ideas,  to  undertake  fuch  defigns, 
which  the  lower  clafs  of  mankind  are  not  capable  of,  but 
fuch  as  exceed  the  abilities  of  others,  who  have  neither  your 
genius  nor  power.  I  wonder  that  any  will  afTert,  that  this 
undertaking  is  impradlicable  j  they  mufl  be  very  ignorant, 
if  they  neither  know  this,  nor  have  heard  it  from  others, 
that,  when  any  calamitous  wars  have  happened,  thofc,  who 

H  4  mutually 


i04       The    ORATIONS 

mutually  put  an  end  to  them,  were  the  caufes  of  inexprcl^ 
fible  good  to  all  parties.  What  can  be  imagined  greater 
than  the  hatred  all  Greece  had  of  Xerxes  ?  and  yet,  after* 
wards,  both  we  and  the  Lacedaemonians  (hewed  him  more 
affe£l:ion  than  we  did  to  thofe  very  perfons  who  helped  to 
cftabliih  both  our  republics.  But  I  need  not,  methinks, 
mention  antient  tranfadions,  or  fuch  as  relate  to  the 
Barbarians ;  for  if  we  caft  an  c)t  back,  and  confider  all  the 
variety  of  public  difafters,  none  of  them  will  be  found  to 
have  happened  to  us,  comparable  to  thofe  caufed  by  the 
Thebans  and  Lacedaemonians ;  but,  neverthelefs,  when  the 
Lacedaemonians  raifed  an  army  againft  the  Thebans,  with 
a  defign  of  defolating  Boeotia,  and  ruining  its  cities,  by 
our  interpofition  they  were  fruftrated  of  their  defigns;  and 
ivhen  again  circumftances  were  fo  changed,  that  the  The- 
bans and  all  the  Peloponnefians  confpired  to  ruin  Sparta, 
we  alone,  of  all  Greece,  aflifting  them,  were  the  caufe  of 
its  prefervation.  Now,  a  perfon  muft  be  very  imprudent, 
if,  after  confidering  fuch  variety  of  accidents,  and  that  our 
cities  have  fet  light  by  hatred,  violation  of  oaths,  &c.  nor 
regarded  any  thing  elfe  but  what  they  imagine  conducive  to 
their  private  views  ;  I  fay,  a  perfon  muft  be  very  impru-» 
dent  to  think  they  do  not  continue  in  the  fame  fentiments 
now ;  but  that,  if  you  will  interpofe  by  your  mediation, 
they  will  eafily  liften  to  a  general  reconciliation  ;  efpecially 
fince  their  prefent  calamities  almoft  oblige  them  to  fuch  an 
accommodation :  I  judge  therefore,  that  fuch  circumftances 
concurring,  this  defign  may  be  eafily  efFeded.  Now,  I 
likewife  imagine,  that  you  may  b^ft  acquaint  yourfelf  with 
the  peaceful  or  contrary  difpofition  of  the  Grecian  cities, 
if  we  examine  not  lightly,  nor  yet  too  accurately,  the  con- 
dition of  their  refpedtive  ftates,  but  the  moft  important  of 
the  prefent  circumftances. 

Let  us  firft  confider  the  Lacedaemonian  ftate  :  It  is  not 
long  fince  they,  who  governed  all  Greece,  met  with  fuch  an 
unexpected  change,  after  their  defeat  at  Leudrae,  that  they 
entirely  loft  the  principality  of  Qre^ce  :  they  were  then 

deprived 


I    .  ?«,;§»* 


ft 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S;       105 

deprived  of  fuch  noble-minded  citizens,  as  rather  chofe  to 
die  than  furvive  the  lofs  of  power,  and  be  fubjed  to  thofe 
they  had  governed.     Add  to  this,  that,  tho'  they  were  ac- 
cuftomed  to  fee  the  Peloponnefians  always  aggrefling  others 
along  with  them,  they  now  faw  them  making,  with  th« 
Thebans,  an  incurfion  into  their  own  lands ;  whom  they 
were  obliged  to  fight  with,  not  on  account  of  their  fruits, 
but  of  their  very  city  and  palace,  and  in  defence  of  their 
very  wives  and  children ;  and,  had  they  been  worfted  there, 
they  muft  have  entirely  periftied  :  and  tho'  they  conquered, 
yet  they  were  not  freed  from  mifery  ;  but  are  now  attacked 
by  their  very  borderers ;  they  are  diftrufted  by  all  the  Pelo- 
ponnefians 5  they  are  hated  by  the  generality  of  Greece^ 
and  they  are  plundered  and  robbed  night  and  day  by  their 
own  flaves:  nor  have  they  any  intermiilion,  but  are  either 
levying  forces,  or  fighting  againft  fome  neighbour,  or  elfe 
aflifting  their  own  countrymen,  that  daily  perifli.     And 
what  is  the  dreadfulleft  calamity  is,  that  they  are  always  in 
fear  left  the  Thebans,  making  a  compofition  with  the  Pho- 
cenfes,  ftiould  return  again  into  their  country,  and  do  them 
more  damage  than  they  even  did  at  their  firft  invafion. 
And  how  can  we  imagine,  but  that  perfons,  in  this  mife- 
rable  fituation,  will  eagerly  embrace  the  authority  of  a  per- 
fon, who  is  capable  of  commanding  a  peace,  and  putting 
an  end  to  thefe  prefent  calamitous  wars.     You  may  like- 
wife  perceive  the  Argives  to  be  in  very  near  the  fame  cir- 
cumftances as  the  Lacedaemonians,  and,  in  fome  refpe6ts, 
in  a  worfe  fituation ;  for'  ever  fince  they  have  inhabited 
their  city,  they  have  continual  wars  and  contentions  with 
their  neighbours :  but  there  is  this  remarkable  difference  to 
be  noted,  that  the  Lacedaemoriians  commonly  fought  againft 
their  inferiors,  but  the  Argives  had  to  ftruggle  with  their 
fuperiors ;  which  muft  be  allowed  by  all  to  be  the  moft  mi- 
ferable  of  all  calamities.     Add,  that  they  are  fo  unfortu- 
nate, as  to  fee  almoft  annually  their  country  laid  wafte  and 
plundered  of  its  products  :  and  what  is  an  aggravation  of 
their  miferies  is,  that,  when  the  enemy  retires  and  leaves 

them. 


td6      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

tkemy  they  perfecute  one  another,  and  deftroy  the  richcft 
and  Dioft  diftinguifhcd  amongft  them ;  and  when  they  have 
A)nc  this,  they  rejoice  as  much  as  others,  when  they  have 
Yanquiihcd  their  enemies.     Now,  nothing  is  the  caufe  of 
their  confufion,  but  war  ;  which  if  you  put  an  end  to,  you 
UMt  only  recover  them  from  this  gulf  of  miferies,  but  ren« 
ifer  them  capable  of  a  better  regulation  in  all  other  refpeds. 
As  for  the  Theban  affairs,  you  are  perfectly  acquainted 
wkh  them ;  for  tho'  they  gained  a  glorious  vidory,  and  ac- 
^red  a  high  reputation,  yet,  upon  account  of  the  mifufc 
0i  their  advantages,  they  are  in  no  better  a  condition  than 
tibe  conquered  and  unfuccefsful ;  for  they  had  no  fooner 
conquered  their  enemies,  but,  negleding  al!  things,  they 
liifhirbed  the  cities  of  Peloponnefus,  dared  even  to  enflavc 
Theffaly,  and   threatened   the  Megarenfes    their   neigh- 
bours :  they  deprived  our  city  of  a  part  of  its  territory,  and 
Jaidwafte  all  Eubcea;  nay,  they  fent  gallies  to  Byzantium, 
as  if  they  deiigned  to  rule  both  by  fea  and  land.     Laftly, 
they  made  war  upon  thePhocenfes,  expeding  foon  to  pof- 
fefe  thcmfclves  of  all  the  cities  and  neighbouring  country, 
2nd  fiirpafs  the  money  repofited  at  Delphi  in  their  private 
cxpences ;  nothing  of  which  did  they  bring  to  a  conclufion : 
bttt,  before  they  could  take  the  Phocenfian  cities,  they  loft 
tiieir  own ;  and,  making  an  incurfion  upon  their  enemy's 
foil,  they  fuffered  more  diflrefs,  before  they  got  back  again, 
than  they  caufed  to  their  opponents.     In  Phocis  they  killed, 
indeed,  a  few  mercenaries,  who  ought  to  chufe  death  ra- 
ther than  life;  but,  retreating,  they  loft  the  braveft  and 
moft  refolute  of  all  their  troops,  which  dared  to  die  in  their 
country's  caufe :  and,  in  fine,  their  conduct  has  concluded 
in  this,  that,  after  hoping  to  have  rendered  themfclves 
mafters  of  Greece,  now  they  place  all  their  confidence  of 
fafety  in  your  prote6lion ;  fo  that  I  no  ways  doubt  but  they 
will  moft  readily  follow  your  orders. 

It  would  now  rema'm  for  me  to  fpeak  of  our  city ;  but, 
being  early  wifer  than  others,  it  has  already  made  peace.  I 
likewife  no  ways  call  in  queftion,  but  it  will  readily  fecond 

your 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       107 

*your  defigns  in  the  public  caufe;  efpecially  if  it  fees,  that 
you  eftabliflj  a  general  concord,  before  you  make  war  on 
the  Barbarians :  wherefore,  that  it  is  not  impoffible  for  you 
to  unite  thefe  cities  by  alliance,  I  think,  is  evident  by  what 
I  have  already  mentioned. 

Now,  that  you  may  eafily  effedl  this,  I  do  not  doubt  but 
I  can  make  clear  by  inconteftable  precedents  and  examples  ; 
for  if  it  IS  certain,  that  feveral  of  our  anceftors  undertook 
neither  more  glorious  or  juft  adions,  than  thofe  which  I 
have  advifed  you  to,  and  overcame  greater  obftacles  and  dif- 
ficulties than  are  in  your  way,  what  can  my  adverfaries 
have  to  fay,  that  you  ftiould  not  fooner  effect  what  is  ea- 
fier,  than  thev  did  more  arduous  and  unpromifing  enter- 
prizes  ?    Let  us,  if  you  pleafe,  firft  confider  the  anions  of 
Alcibiades  ;  for  he,  falling  into  difgrace  with  our  citizens, 
and  perceiving,  that  thofe  before  him,  who  met  with  the 
like  misfortune,  was,  as  it  were,  thunder-ftruck  with  the 
power  of  the  city,  refolved  not  to  fink  under  the  fame  de- 
fpair,  but  thought  it  became  him  to  attempt  his  return  by 
force,  and  he  chofe,  rather  than  fubmit,  to  make  war  againft 
it.     To  mention  ever)'  tranfa£lion  of  that  time,  and  de- 
fcend  to  particulars,  would  perhaps  exceed  any  one's  abi- 
lity ;  or,  could  it  be  done,  would  be  irkfome :  in  a  word, 
he  caufed  incredible  diforder  in  our  city,  and  great  diftrefs 
and  mifery  to  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  the  reft  of  Greece* 
As  for  our  city,  all  know  what  we  fuffered ;    and  the 
reft  of  Greece  had  fuch  a  ftiare  of  calamities,  that,  I  be- 
lieve, the  dreadful  confequences  of  that  public  and  univer- 
fal  (hock  are  not  yet  obliterated.     As  for  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians, who  then  flourifhed,  and  had  great  authority,  they, 
by  his  means,  fell  into  their  prefent  misfortunes ;  for,  by 
his  perfuafion  to  affea  the  fovereignty  at  fea,  they  loft  even 
their  leading  power  upon  land  :  fo  that  whoever  affirms, 
that  they  may  juftly  date  all  their  lofles  from  that  time, 
when  they  afiumed  authority  upon  the  fea,  will  be  found  to 
fpeak  nothing  contrary  to  truth  and  experience.     Alcibia- 
jks,  therefore,  having  been  the  caufe  of  fuch  public  cala- 
mities. 


2o8       The    ORATIONS 

mities,  returned  to  Athens,  praifed  indeed  by  Tome  exce(^ 
dvelyj  but  not  (o  by  all.     Conon,  not  many  years  after, 
did  what  was  fimilar  to  this  ;  for,  meeting  with  a  defeat  in 
a  fea-fight  at  the  HeJlefpont,  not  by  his  own  mifmanage- 
ixient,  but  on  account  of  the  joint-commiflioned  ofEcers, 
he  was  afhamed  to  return  home  :  but,  faihng  into  Cyprus, 
he  continued  there  fome  time  to  fettle  his  private  affairs,  and 
iinderflanding  that  Agefilaus  was  g6ne  into  Afia  with  great 
forces,  and  wafled  the  countiy,  he  entertained  this  elevated 
hope,  that,  tho'  he  had  nothing  to  depend  upon  but  himfelf, 
and  his  great  genius,  he  ftill  believed  he  might  humble  the 
Lacedaemonians,  who  then  gover-  ei  the   Grecians   both 
hy  fea  and  land.     He  fent  his  propofals  to  the  Perfian  gene- 
rals, and  promifed  to  efFecl  the  Lacedaemonians  overthrow. 
I  need  not  fay  more  herej  for  he  get  together^  by  this 
means,  a  fleet  near  Cnidos,  conquered  in  a  fca-battle,  de- 
pofed  the  Lacedaemonians,  deflroyed  their  ufurped  autho- 
rity, and  freed  the  Itates  of  Greece :  nor  did  he  only  re- 
build the  walls  of  his  native  city,  but  he  reflored  it  to  its 
former  fplendor,  and  renewed  its  antient  magnificence  and 
liberty.     Who  would   have  imagined,  that,   by  this  man, 
once  in  Co  low  a  condition,  all  the  face  of  afFairs  fhould  be 
entirely  changed  throughout  all  Greece  j  that  fome  of  the 
cities  (hould  be  ignominioufly  reduced,  and  others  raifed  and 
exalted  in  power  and  dignity  ?  And  Dionyfius  (for  I  would 
pcrfuade  you  by  many  examples)  prove  ,  that  what  I  advife 
you  to,  is  not  difficult  for  you ;  for  tho'  he  was  no  ways  dif- 
tinguifhed  in  Syracufe  by  his  family,  honours,  or  other  cir- 
cumflances,  yet,  upon  his  afpiring  rafhly  to  monarchy,  and 
daring  to  undertake  and  execute  every  thing  he  thought  con- 
ducive to  this  purpofe,  he  feized  Syracufe,  and  overthrew 
all  the  Grecian  cities  that  were  in  Sicily.     He,  at  lail,  ac- 
quired fuch  horfe  and  foot-forces,  as  none  that  went  be- 
fore him  there  had  ever  done.     Let  me  here  mention  the 
Barbarians :    did  not  Cyrus,  tho'  expofed  by  his  mother, 
and  taken  up  by  a  Perfian  woman,  caufe  fuch  an  alteration, 
that  he  became  abfolute  lord  of  all  Afia  ?    Now,  if  Alci- 

^  biades. 


:    i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       109 

tiades,  who  was  a  fugitive,  Conon  unfortunate,  Dionyfius 
not  noble,  and  the  birth  of  Cyrus  fo  calamitous  to  him ;  I 
fay,  notwithftanding  all  thefe  perfons  were  in  fuch  inferior 
circumftances  to  you,  if  they  yet  performed  fuch  unex- 
pedled  wonders,  how  can  you  imagine,  but  that  you,  who 
are  defcended  from  fuch  anceftcrs,  king  likewife  of  Mace- 
donia; lord  befides  of  many  territories,  but  that  you,  I  fay, 
will  eafily  reduce  to  pra6lice  my  counfel  ? 

Judge  now  yourfelf,  how  worthy  it  is  of  your  prc- 
cminency,  to  equal  the  glory  of  the  gre.tefl  heroes :  but, 
fliould  you  mifcarry,  you  will  gain,  however,  the  univer- 
fal  benevolence  of  all  Greece ;  which  is  a  far  nobler  acqui- 
fition  than  the  taking,  by  force  of  arms,  many  cities;  for 
fuch  adions,  tho'  fuccefsful,  draw  after  them  envy,  dtfaf- 
fedlion,  and  many  reproaches :  but  there  is  no  apprehen- 
fion  of  any  fuch  confequences  in  this  cafe.  And  would  any 
god  give  you  an  option  of  the  manner  in  which  you  would 
pafs  your  life,  I  judge  none  more  worthy  of  you  than  the' 
continual  endeavour  of  putting  in  execution  fuch  a  glorioi^' 
projeft ;  for  you  will  not  only  deferve  the  emulation  of 
others,  but  mufl  neccffarily  believe  yourfelf  happy.   What 
acceilion  can  be  made  to  fuch  a  felicity  ?  when  the  moft 
confiderable  men  will  come  from  the  moil  flourifhing  cities 
into  your  dominions,  and  you,  along  with  them,will  confult 
the  public  good  ;  you,  who  excel  others  in  prudence,  and 
muft  certamly  fee  Greece  profper  under  your  direction,' 
None  of  the  Greeks  will  defpife  your  condudl  j  but  fome 
zealoufly  enquire  about  your  defigns;  others  pray  perpe- 
tually to  heaven  for  your  fuccefs ;  and  others,  in  fine,  be  * 
apprehenfive  of  your  mortality,  before  you  can  finifh  fuch 
exalted  enterprizes.     How  can  you  do  otherwife  than,  in 
^e  very  defign,  have  the  mofl  heroic  ideas,  and  live  the 
mofl  happy  life  in  the  execution,  by  the  confcioufneis  of 
fuch  grand  actions  ?     What  perfon,  who  is  but  moderately 
endued  with  reafon,  would  not  encourage  you  to  the  under- 
taking of  fuch  adlions,  as  are  capable  of  caufing  you  both 
thefe  effeds,  as  fubfequent  fruits,  fuperlative,  noble  plea-*- 

furc. 


ffo       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

fure>  and  diftinguifhed  glory.  I  now  judge  I  have  (aid 
enough,  had  I  not  omitted  a  part,  not  out  of  oblivion, 
but  timidity,  which  I  here  purpofe  to  fupply ;  for  I  think 
it  is  proper  you  ihould  be  acquainted  with  my  thoughts, 
and  that  I  fhould  fpeak  with  that  modeil  freedom,  which  i& 
cu/lomary  to  me  in  my  orations. 

For  I  perceive  you  are  calumniated  by  thofe  wko  envy 
you,  who  are  accuftomed  to  throw  their  own  cities  intQ 
convulfions,  and  have  a  greater  love  of  wars  and  confu- 
fion  than  peace  ;  who  neglect  the  oeconomy  of  their  0v/f\ 
national  affairs,  and    are   continually  haranguing  againft 
your  power,  as  if  all  your  actions  tended  to  nothing  elfe 
but  your  fole  encreafe  ;  and  that,  for  a  ccnfiderable  time, 
you  have  been  in  a  kind  of  ambulh  againfl  all  Greece  j  that 
you   pretend  indeed  to  aflift  the  Mellenians,  if  you  once 
fettle  your  affairs  with  the  Phocenfes;  but  that,  in  reality, 
you  defign  to  reduce  ail  Peloponnefus  under  your  power  i 
that  the  Theilalians,  the  Thcbans,  and  all  the  Amphidy- 
qncsy  are  ready  to  follow  you  ;  that  the  Argives,  the  Mef- 
fenians,  and  Megalopolitans,  and  many  others,  aifift  your 
defigns,  and  ruin  the  Lacedaemonians :  and,  in  fine,   that, 
if  you  effedl  your  prefent  views,  you  will  then  eaiily  fub* 
yck  all  Greece.     While  they  wantonly,  out  of  impotcncy 
of  tongue,  affert  this  as  known  truth,  they  fpread  fuch  re- 
ports  evexy-where,  and  perfuade  a  great  many,  who  are  as 
defirous  of  the  fame  confufion  as  themitJves ;  they  like- 
wife   influence   fuch   as    have   no  care   of  the  republic, 
but,    favouring  their  own  indolence,    cfteem  tliemfelves 
obliged  to  thofe  who  pretejid  to  be  full  of  fear  and  foUici- 
tude  for  their  good  :  iaftly,  they  have  prevalency  with  fuch 
alfo,  as  think  not  the  defign  of  defpotifm  beneath  you,  but 
worthy  of  a  great  mind ;  who  are  fo  far  from  a  juft  notion 
of  things,  that  they  perceive  not,  bow,   with   the  fame 
fuppofitions,  we  may  highly  injure  one,  and  praife  another 
perfon,  as  happens  in  this  cafe.     For  example  ;  fhould  any 
orator  fay  of  the  Afiatic  king,  that  he  has  a  hoflile  mind 
againfl  Greece,  and  is  raifmg  an  army  to  that  purpofle,  he 

X  would 


of   I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      tit 

would  fay  nothing  difgraceful  of  him,  but  would  fuppofe 
him  more  valiant,  and  of  greater  moment  than  he  is ;  but 
Ihould  any  one  fay  the  fame  of  a  defcendent  of  Hercules^ 
who  was  a  benefadlor  to  all  Greece,  he  would  cover  him 
with  difhonour  ;  for  who  would  not  grieve,  who  would  not 
be  filled  with  indignation,  if  fuch  an  exalted  perfon  fhould 
attempt  a  thing  of  fuch  a  nature  ?  He,  whofe  anceflor  ex- 
pofed  himfelf  to  fuch  dangers  for  Greece,  while,  by  fuch 
contrary  behaviour,  his  defcendent  would  quit  that  gene* 
rofity  of  foul,  which  he  left  as  an  example  to  his  poder ity, 
and,  forgetting  his  true  glory,  affedl  infamous  and  bafe  ac- 
tions.    Wherefore,  it  concerns  you  to  flifle  fuch  infmua- 
tions,  as  your  enemies  induflrioufly  endeavour  to  fpread  of 
your  intentions,  tho'  you  have  not  a  friend  but  will  readily 
contradidl  fuch  unjufl  afTertions-,  and  you  may  clearly  dif- 
tino-uifh  what  is  for  your  real  interefls,  by  their  different 
fentiments.     Perhaps  you  will  imagine,  that  it  fhews  pu- 
{illanimity  to  regard  trifling  calumniators,  and  fuch  as  liften 
to  them,  efpecially  while  you  are  confcious  of  no  ungene- 
rous thought  or  proceeding ;  but  you  ought  not  to  defpife 
the  multitude,  nor  fet  light  by  univerfal  efleem  and  appro-* 
bation :  but,  then,  judge  you  have  afcended  the  highefb 
point  of  human  happincfs  and  glory,  fuch  as  is  becoming 
yourfelf  and  anceflors,  when,  by  youra£lions,  you  have  fo 
difpofed  all  Greece  towards  you,  as  you  fee  the  Lacedae- 
monians towards  their  kings,  and  your  own  friends  towards 
yourfelf.     It  is  not  difficult  to  attain  this  felicity,  if  you 
will  be  an  impartial  mediator,  and  ceafe  favouring  fomc 
cities,  while  you  are  fevere  to  others :  in  a  word,  if  you 
do  every  thing,  whereby  you  may  gain  the  confidence  of 
the  Grecians,  and  flrike  a  terror  into  the  Barbarians. 

And  do  not  wonder,  that  I  wrote  to  Dionyfius  the  ty- 
rant, and  now  write  to  you,  who  am  neither  a  general,  a 
public  orator,  or,  in  other  refpe^s,  a  powerful  perfon ; 
wonder  not,  that  I  fpeak  to  you  more  freely  than  perhaps 
others  dare,  or  I  would  do,  did  I  not  know  your  noble 
qualities ;  for  I  never  had  a  fuflicient  voice  or  refolutioa 

t9 


112        The    ORATIONS 

to  face  the  multitude^  and  be  befpattered  with  opprobHouj 
language  by  mercenary  lawyers  and  ftate  orators  :  but^  aS 
for  the  ftudy  of  wifdom  and  prudence,  though  fome  may 
think  what  I  am  going  to  fay,  vanity,  I  will  dare  to  aflert  it, 
that  I  am  not  inferior  in  fuch  qualities,  but  may  rank  my^ 
fdf  amongft  the  moft  induftrious  and  eminent ;  wherefore 
I  undertake  to  give  counfel,  in  this  manner,  according  to 
my  talents,  to  my  city,  the  other  Grecians,  and  the  moil 
diftinguifhed  of  mankind.     What  relates  to  myfelf,  and 
what  I  judge  proper  for  you,  in  your  high  ftation,  to  do 
in  regard  of  other  Grecians,  you  have  almoft  heard  fuffi- 
ciently ;    but,   concerning  the  alliance  againft  Perfia,   I 
think  it  then  a  proper  time  to  advife  the  cities,  which  I 
wifhed  united,  when  I  fee  them  made  friends  by  mutual 
concord  :  but  I  will  now  addrefs  my  words  to  you,  though 
not  with  the  fame  fentiments  as  when  I  treated  of  this  fub- 
je£l  before.     I  then  gave  the  audience  leave  to  explode  and 
defpife  me,  if  I  did  not  fpeak  worthily  of  fuch  an  arduous 
theme,  and  of  all  the  time  I  might  have  employed  in  the 
acquifition  of  eloquence ;  but  now  I  am  afraid,  left  I  fpeak 
much  inferior  to  even  what  I  have  faid  upon  the  fame  topic : 
for  the  Panegyric,  which  taught  thofe  who  ftudy  philofophy 
a  more  diffufe  and  copious  way  of  writing,  caufed  me  no 
fmall  difficulty  in  the  execution ;  nor  would  I  willingly  now 
fay  again  the  fame  things,  nor  can  I  eafily  invent  other  ar- 
guments :  but  yet  I  ought  not  to  defift,  but  mention  what 
prefents  itfelf  ftill  to  me  on  this  important  fubjed,  and 
feems  likely  to  perfuade  you  to  undertake  this  great  defign  j 
though  I  (hould  not  be-  able  to  equal  what  I  have  written 
before,  yet  it  is  my  duty,  for  the  public  good,  to  draw  the 
outlines,  to  be  finifhed  and  compleated  by  fuch  as  are  more 
capable. 

I  THINK,  I  have  made  that  beginning  of  my  difcourfe, 
which  it  becomes  thofe  who  would  perfuade  to  a  noble,  ge- 
neral confpiracy  againft  the  tyranny  of  Afia  ;  for,  certainly, 
it  is  not  prudence  to  undertake  any  thing  of  this  nature, 
until  the  leader  has  either  all  Greece  afTifting  him,  or,  at 

leaft. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S;      113 

Icaft,  wifhing  profperity  to  his  undertaking ;  which  Agefi- 
laus,  who  was  thought  the  wifeft  of  the  Lacedaemonians, 
negleded,  not  indeed  out  of  a  malevolent  view,  but  out  of 
the  love  of  honour  ;  for  he  had  two  ambitions,  both  in- 
deed noble,  but  fuch  as  could  not  be  gratified  together :  he 
was  defirous  of  making  war  againft  the  Perfian,  to  intro- 
duce, by  arms,  his  friends  into  his  cities,  and  make  them 
mafters  of  the  country.  Now,  it  happened,  by  reafon  of 
this  feparate  afFedion  for  his  friends,  that  die  affairs  of 
Greece  were  thrown  into  diforder  and  convulfion;  for,  by 
the  tumult  which  arofe  at  home,  he  could  not  be  at  liberty 
to  fight  againft  the  Barbarians  :  fo  that  it  is  evident,  from 
the  unhappy  ignorance  of  that  time,  that  it  ought  to  be  the 
firft  and  chief  care  of  him,  who  would  fuccefsfully  attack 
the  eaftern  monarch,  to  reconcile  the  Greeks,  and  cure 
them  of  their  popular  frenzy ;  which  is  the  fcope  and  intent 
of  my  advice  to  you.  Now,  I  am  perfuaded,  that  no  one, 
who  loves  his  country,  will  blame  me;  I  am  more  afraid  by 
far,  that  I  have  hitherto  fpoken  unworthily,  and  not  in 
fuch  an  animated  manner,  ?s  I  ought  of  my  fubjecSt:  I  judge, 
that  whoever  have  fpoken  on  this  topic,  and  exhorted 
Greece  to  a  war  with  the  Barbarians,  have  hitherto  only 
mentioned  thefe  reafons,  that,  by  fuch  an  enterprize,  they 
would  all  become  of  obfcure,  univerfally  known  and  glo- 
rious ;  of  poor  and  indigent,  mafters  of  many  provinces 
and  cities  ;  and,  in  a  word,  abound  with  all  affluence.  But 
I  (hall  not  ufe  thofe  arguments,  in  order  to  perfuade  you, 
but  even  introduce  examples  of  fuch  as  {eem  to  have  been 
unfortunate  j  I  mean  thofe  who  fought  under  Cyrus  and 
Clearchus.  It  is  allowed  by  all,  that  they  overthrew  in 
battle  all  the  king's  forces,  with  as  much  eafe  as  if  they  had 
encountered  fo  many  women ;  and  when  fortune  feemed 
entirely  in  their  hands,  were  ruined  by  the  raflinefs  and 
precipitancy  of  Cyrus:  for,  being  elate  with  joy,  and  pur- 
fuing  eagerly  before  the  reft,  he  fell,  furrounded  fuddenly 
by  the  enemies :  but,  after  fuch  a  calamity,  the  king  was  fo 
dlifident  of  his  troops,  and  had  fuch  a  fettled  contempt  of 

I  th^m. 


iii 


m! 


\ 


114       The    O  R  AT  I  O  N  S 

them,  that,  inviting  Clearchus,  and  the  other  captains,  to'^ 
a  parley,  he  promifed  them  extraordinary  gifts,  and  all  the 
foldiers  their  full  pay,  before  their  departure.     Having  thus 
deluded  them  by  his  promifes,  and  whatever  fecurity  Cle- 
archus required,  he,  at  unawares,  feized  upon,  and  cru- » 
elly  murdered  them,  to  fatiate  his  revenge :  and  in  this  dar- 
ing, impious  manner,  hechofe  to  offend  all  the  gods, rather* 
than  attack  fuch  half-deftitute  foldiers,  who  were  deprived 
of  their  captains.     Now,  what  ftronger,  or  more  glorious 
perfuafive  for  you  can  there  be  imagined  than  this  ?     For 
thofe  Grecians  would  have  made  themfelves  mafters  of  the 
kingdom,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  raflinefs  of  Cyrus  :  but 
it  will  be  eafy  for  an  experienced  general,  like  you,  to  guard 
againft  a  like  deception,  and  raife  a  far  better  chofen  army  - 
tharvthat  which  then  conquered  the  Perfians.     Excelling,  I ' 
fay,  in  both  thefe  advantages,  who  can  doubt  but  it  will  be 
an  eafy  thing  for  you  to  compleat  fuch  a  glorious  enter- 
prize  ?     I  am  confcious  I  have  exprefled  many  things  in 
the  fame  manner  as  before ;  for  if  I  had  chofen  to  have ' 
diverfified  my  fubje^l  more  by  didtion,  I  could  eafily  have 
done  it ;    and,  had  1  written  for  pomp  and  oftentatlon, 
have  fet  it  ofF  with  all   the   oratorial  ornaments :    but,  ^ 
whea  I  wrote  to  you,  I  muft  have  been  egregioufly  im- 
prudent, had  I  laid  a  greater  ftrefs  upon  the  politeneife  of 
expreiTion,  than  the  weight  and  importance  of  fads :  and 
feeing  others  ufing  my  reafonings,  I  thought  it  too  great  a 
fcrupulofity,  if  I  entirely  abftained  from  my  own  inven-'- 
tions.     It  is  no  juft  wonder  then,  that  if  there  was  a  necef-  J 
fity,  and  it  was  becoming  my  charafter,  that  I  made  free 
with  my  former  writings,  but  abftained  from  others  pro- 
perty in  this  kind,  as  I  have  always  hitherto  religiouAy 
done. 

I  HOPE  this  will  fuifice,  by  way  of  apology :  it  now 
feems  proper  I  fhould  fpeak  of  the  preparations  you  have,  * 
and  thofe  forces  which  they  are  mafters  of.     What  is  one 
of  the  greateft  advantages  is,  that  you  will  have  all  the 
Greek*  confoi^riS  in  common  friendfliip,  if  you  will  endea- 


i 


vour 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       nj 

voUr  to  efFe6t  the  public  good,  which  I  have  mentioned  ; 
but  as  averfe  as  poflible  to  the  Perfian  king,  on  account  of 
the  Lacedaemonian  tyrannical  goverment,  during  their  alli- 
ance with  Afia :  for  they  all  judged,  had  Cyrus  and  Cle- 
archus profpered,  they  muft  have  been  reduced  to  a  ftill 
harder  flavery  ;  but,  by  the  conqueft  of  the  king,  be  freed 
from  oppreffion  ;  which  indeed  happened.     You  likewifc 
will  have  as  many  ready  foldiers  as  you  pleafe ;  for  now 
the  circumftances  of  Greece  are  fuch,  that  it  is  more  eafy 
to  raife  a  numerous  army  of  thofe  who  have  no  fixed  ha- 
bitation, than  of  fuch  as  dwell  in  cities :    but,  in  thofe 
times,  there  were  no  foreigners  ;  fo  that  they  were  obliged 
to  raife  troops  in  other  Grecian  cities,  and  employed,  on 
thofe  occafions,  as  much  money  in  prefents,  as  they  did  in 
pay  to  the  foldiers  :  and,  now,  if  we  confider  well  our  ad- 
vantages, that  you  will  lead  the  army,  and  have  the  care  of  all, 
and  not  Clearchus,  who  was  then  at  the  head  of  affairs,  we 
Ihall  have  an  additional  hope  of  fuccefs :  we  fhall  perceive, 
that  Clearchus  had  neither  commanded  land  or  fea-forces 
nor  was  any- ways  diftinguifhed  before  his  bravery  and  cala- 
mity in  Afia ;  but  you  have  performed  fuch  noble,  fuch  glo- 
rious actions,  that  (did  Inowaddrefs  my  difcourfe  to  another) 
would  afford  me  a  fpacious  field  of  rhetoric  and  eloquence; 
but,  fhould  I  enumerate  to  yourfelf  your  adions,.  I  (hould 
juftly  incur  the  cenfure  of  being  a  trifling,  luxuriant  writer^; 
yet,  methinks,  it  is  not  foreign  to  my  purpofe,  if  I  men- 
tion here  the  potentates,  whom  I  counfel  you  to  make  war 
againft,  and  him  whom  Clearchus  had  to  fight  with ;  for, 
by  this  means,  you  will  beft  acquaint  yourfelf  with  their 
qualities  and  powers.   The  father  of  the  prefent  king  over- 
threw both  ours  and  the  Lacedaemonian  city ;  but  the  pre- 
fent Perfian  monarch  never  conquered  thofe  enemies,  who 
dared  to  invade  his  own  territories :  again,  the  former  had 
the  right  of  all  Afia  confirmed  to  him  by  our  public  treaties, 
but  the  prefent  pofl-eflbr  of  the  throne  is  fo  far  from  com- 
manding Greece,  that  he  cannot  keep  the  cities  which  have   ^ 
been  furrendered  to  him :  wherefore  it  may  be  juftly  doubted, 

*  2  whether 


ii6       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

whether  he  has  abandoned  them  out  of  cowardice,  or  that 
they  defpifed  the  Barbarian's  power.  Now,  if  weconfider  the 
fituation  and  circumftances  at  prefent  of  the  country,  you 
muft  necefTarily  be  ftill  more  incited  to  this  war.     The  E- 
gyptians,  indeed,  revolted  at  that  time  ;  but  they  were  afraid 
left  the  Perfian,  colleding  a  great  army,  might  conquer  the 
difficulties  of  the  river's  paflage,  and  get  the  better  of  their 
forces :  but  this  prince  has  freed  them  from  their  fears ;  for 
having  raifed  innumerable  troops,  as  many  as  he  was  able, 
he  marched  againft  them,  but  returned  not  only  vanquiftied, 
but  even  baffled,  and  made  ridiculous,  and  appearing  to  all 
neither  worthy  of  being  general,  or  wearing  a  crown.     As 
for  Cyprus,  Phoenicia,  and  Cilicia,   at  that  time  they  fur- 
nifhed  the  king  with  fleets,  and  fought  on  his  fide:  but  fome 
parts  now  have  revolted,  and  others  are  (o  diftrefled  by 
wars,  that  they  can  be  of  no  ufe  to  the  Perfian,  yet  will 
certainly  aflift  you,  if  you  refolve  on  a  war  with  him.  Be- 
fides,  Idrieus,  who  is  the  mod  opulent  fatrape  upon  the 
continent,  muft  certainly  favour  you  more  than  the  eaftern 
monarch,  or  he  muft  be  egregioiifly  infatuated,  if  he  defires 
not-the  difiblution  of  an  empire,  which  fo  barbaroully  treated 
his  brother,  made  war  upon  himfelf,  perpetually  lays  fnares 
for  him,  and  has  defigns  both  againft  his  liberty  and  trea- 
fures.     By  fear  of  this,  he  is  now  compelled  annually  to 
flatter  him,  and  fend  him  large  fums  of  money  ;  but  fhould 
you  make  a  defcent  upon  the  continent,   he  will  readily 
receive  you,  as  the  protedor  of  his  perfon  and  liberty ; 
nay,  you  will  infallibly  draw  over  to  your  party  many  other 
iatrapes,  if  you  promife  them  liberty,  and  fpread  this  fame 
over  Afia,  which  being  credited  by  Greece,  diflTolved  both 
ours   and  the   Lacedaemonians   power.     Now,   ftiould  I 
add  here,  by  what  method  you  may  moft  eafily  conquer  the 
king's  forces,  I  am  apprehenfive  left  fome  would  blame  me, 
if,  having  no  experience  of  war,  I  dared  to  counfel  you 
about  its  management,  who  have  certainly  had  the  greateft 
fuccefs  and  experience  of  any  in  our  age  ;  wherefore,  upon 

this  topic,  I  think  I  fhould  fay  no  more. 

As 


1 1 


;^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        117 

As  for  the  reft,  I  judge,  that  your  father,  he  who  ac- 
quired the  kingdom  of  Macedon,  and  the  firft  head  of  your 
family,  abundantly  fuflice  for  your  example  and  imitation; 
for,  could  they  now  fpeak  to  you,  I  do  not  doubt,  but  they 
would  give  you  the  fame  counfels  as  I.  I  guefs  this  from 
what  they  a(Slually  did  ;  for  your  father  always  conducted 
himfelf  as  a  friend  towards  thofe  cities,  which  I  advife 
you  to  contra(5l  alliance  with ;  and  he  who  firft  acquired 
the  crown,  who  thought  in  a  higher  order  than  his  fellow- 
citizens,  and  aimed  at  monarchy,  did  not  follow  the  fame 
political  principles,  as  ufually  thofe  do,  who  have  under- 
taken fuch  an  enterprize  :  for  moft  of  fuch  made,  in 
their  refpedlive  cities,  tumults,  mafl!acres,  and  many  trou- 
bles, before  they  obtained  the  ends  of  their  ambition  ; 
but  he  left  the  reft  of  Greece  in  entire  freedom,  and 
eftabliihed  monarchy  only  in  Macedonia :  for  he  too  well 
knew,  that  the  generality  of  the  Grecians  were  not  accuf- 
tomed  to  monarchy  or  defpotifm ;  but  that  other  people 
were  not  capable  of  keeping  a  regular  form  under  any  other 
goverment.  This  he  knew  from  his  general  knowledge  of 
mankind,  and  the  nature  of  them  and  monarchy  ;  and,  by 
not  endeavouring  to  enflave  and  opprefs  his  countrymen,  he 
fhunned  thofe  dangers  which  arife  frequently  from  the  firft 
acquifition  of  monarchy  j  for  if  we  read  hiftory,weftiallfind, 
that  all  others,  who  had  attempted  a  thing  of  this  nature  be- 
fore over  the  reft  of  the  Grecians,  were  not  only  ruined 
themfelves,  but  their  very  families  deftroyed  and  blotted  out 
from  the  race  of  mankind;  but  he  pafled  his  whole  life  in 
great  peace,  tranquillity,  and  happinefs,  and  left  his  crown 
and  kingdom  to  his  pofterity.  All  men,  indeed,  praifethc 
courage  and  valour  of  Hercules,  and  number  up  his  conflicts 
and  battles ;  but,  in  refpedl  of  the  more  humane  and  inti- 
mate virtues  of  the  mind,  I  remember  neither  any  poet  or 
rhetorician,  who  has  made  mention  of  them.  But  this  is,  I 
think,  ^  proper  occafion  for  my  own  doing  fo  ;  for,  though 
this  topic  has  been  hitherto  relinquiftied,  it  is  neither  un- 
worthy of  eloquence  or  new,  but  aftbrding  an  infinite  fubje6l 

1 3  < 


n8       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

of  praife,  and  fuch  glorious  aaions,  as  require  the  moft 
accomplifhed  rhetoric  and  finifhed  oratory.     Were  I  now 
in  my  youth,    I  could  eafily  demonftrate,   that  the  au- 
thor of  your  race  excelled  all  that  went  before  him,  as 
much  in  prudence,  virtue,  philofophy,  and  juftice,  as  he 
did  in  the  ftrength  and  excellency  of  his  body.     But  now 
having  him  for  objed,  and  perceiving  the  variety  of  fuch  a 
fubjea,  I  defpair  of  my  prcfent  ability,  and  am  fenfible, 
did  I  launch  out  into  fuch  a  field  of  panegyric,  I  muft  double 
the  length  of  my  prefent  oration :  I  therefore  fhall  omit  all 
the  reft  of  his  merits,  and  fhall  only  touch  upon  one  a^ion, 
which  feems  to  me  particularly  adapted  to  what  I  have  faid 
before ,  and  will  only  take  up  a  convenient  fpace  of  time 
for  my  prefent  intention  -,   for  he  obferving,  that  Greece 
was  full  of  divifions,  wars,  and  other  calamities,  by  putting 
an  end  to  them,  and  mutually  reconciling  the  difunited  ci- 
ties, {hewed  to  pofterity  with  what  alliance,  and  againft 
whom,  we  ought  to  make  a  common  war ;  for,  not  in- 
dulgi  ig  inactivity,  he  raifed  an  army,  made  an  expedi- 
tion into  Afia,  and  befieged  Troy,  which,  at  that  time, 
was  the  powerfulleft  city  of  that  country :  in  which  war 
he  fo  far  diftinguifhed  himfelf,   in  condudl,  from  thofe 
in  the  following  war,  that  his  fuccefTors  compleated  only 
in  ten  years,  with  difficulty,  the  deftrudion  of  that  place, 
which  he  efFe£led  in  a  fhort  time ;  nay,  in  a  fewer  days 
than  they  years  ;  and,  with  a  far  lefs  number  of  men,  he 
took  it  by  afTault,   and  afterwards  flew  all  the  kings  of 
thofe  nations,  which  inhabit  both  the  fhores  of  the  con- 
tinent; whom  he  certainly  could  not  have  thus  deflroyed, 
had  he  not  firft  fubdued  their  powers.     After  this,  he  raifed 
the  trophy  called  Herculcs's  pillars,  as  a  monument  of  his 
vidlories  over  the  Barbarians,  and  a  witncfs  of  his  valour  and 
dangers,  as  well  as  a  liniit  of  the  Grecian  dominion.  I  have 
mentioned  this,  that  you  may  pe:ceive  I  counfel  you  to  the 
fame  glorious  enterprizes,  which  your  anceftors  have  the 
moft  happily  of  all  mankind  executed.  Now,  it  certainly  be- 
comes the  nobleft-mindcd  to  propofe  to  themfelves  the  moft 
arduous  adion^  and  endeavour  to  put  them  in  execution  ; 

in 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       119 

in  a  word,  to  fet  before  their  eyes  the  grcatcft  examples, 
and  emulate  the  nObleft  heroes.  This  is  particularly  your 
cafe;  for,  without  foreign  inducements,  or  any  others  than 
domeftic  examples,  how  can  you  be  otherwife  than  excited 
to  an  imitation,  nay,  a  defire  of  equalling  your  paternal 
glories  ?  I  fay  not,  that  you  can  imitate  all  the  adlions  and 
exploits  of  Hercules;  for  fome  of  the  gods  could  not  do  this  : 
but  you  may  indubitably  imitate  his  philofophy,  his  philan- 
thropy, his  benevolence  towards  all  Greece,  and  his  defigns 
of  its  glory.  It  is,  I  fay,  eafier  for  you  (if  I  can  but 
perfuade  you  by  this  difcourfe)  to  acquire,  in  your  prefent 
circumftances,  whatever  glory  you  pleafe,  than  to  have 
made  a  progrefs  to  your  prefent  point  of  power,  from  the 
firft  beginning  of  your  government.  You  fee,  I  do  not 
counfel  you  to  make  war  in  concert  with  Barbarians, 
againft  whom  you  are  forbidden  by  the  ties  of  nature;  but, 
with  Grecians,  againft  thofe  whom  it  becomes  the  dcfcen- 
dents  of  Hercules  to  conquer. 

And  do  not  wonder,  that  I  fo  earneftly  admonifh  you 
to  ufe  generofity  towards  the  Grecians,  and  pradife,  in 
regard  of  them,  all  mildnefs  and  philanthropy  ;  for  I  have 
obferved,  that  harflmefs  and  violence  are  not  only  uneafy  to 
the  breafts  which  indulge  them,  but  to  all  that  have  any 
commerce  with  us ;  that  the  above-mentioned  virtues  are 
not  only  loved  in  other  creatures  as  well  as  men,  but 
that  thofe  gods,  who  are  efteemed  the  greateft  benefaaors 
of  mankind,  are,  for  that  very  reafon,  by  eminency,  called 
celeftial ;  and  that  thofe  deities,  who  are  fuppofed  agents  in 
the  puniftiments  and  calamities  of  mankind,  have  a  lefs 
agreeable  appellation  :  both  private  perfons  and  cities  erea 
'  temples  and  altars  to  the  former  ;  but  the  latter  are  not  fo 
much  as  mentioned  either  in  prayers  or  facrifices,  but  we 
feem  to  have  a  kind  of  abomination  for  them  :  wherefore  it 
becomes  you,  by  fuch  confidcrations,  to  encreafe  in  all,  the 
prefent  univerfal  opinion  of  your  humanity  ;  for  it  becomes 
thofe,  who  propofe  to  themfelves  a  higher  pitch  of  glory 
than  other  men,  to  have  conftantly  in  view  adions  that 

I  4  ^^ 


120       The    ORATIONS 

are  pradicable  indeed,  but  which  have  more  of  the  mere 
poffibility  of  wifhes,  than  the  probability  of  execution; 
and  undertake  them  when  the  circumftances  of  time  and 
power  feem  moft  favourable.  You  may  be  convinced  of 
of  this  truth  by  many  reafons,  and  efpecially  by  what 
happened  to  Jafon ;  for  tho'  he  had  never  atchieved  what 
you  have  done,  yet  he  acquired  the  higheft  glory;  not  fo 
much  for  what  he  did,  as  for  what  he  faid  3  for  he  only 
difcourfed,  as  if  he  defigned  to  pafs  over  to  the  continent, 
and  war  againft  the  Perfian.  Now,  if  Jafon  rendered  himfelf 
fo  popular  by  fuch  a  declaration,  what  fentiments  muft  the 
Grecians  have  of  you,  if  you  put  this  in  pra(aice,and  endea- 
vour to  conquer  the  Perfian  empire  ?  or,  not  efFeding  this, 
to  feparate  from  them  as  many  cities  as  pofTible,  and  divide 
Afia,  which  fome  defcribe  as  extended  from  Cilicia  to  Si- 
nope  ?  Add  to  this,  if  you  will  build  cities  in  thofe  places, 
and  give  habitations  to  fuch  as  are  now  unfettled,  and,  by  the 
urging  neceiHties  of  poverty,  invade  and  deftroy  their  neigh- 
bours ;  whom  if  we,  by  fuch  a  method,  do  not  provide  for, 
giving  them  a  fufficient  maintenance,  they  will  clandeftinely 
aflbciate  in  fuch  numbers,  that  they  will  become  no  kfs 
formidable  to  the  Greeks  than  to  the  Barbarians :  of  all 
which  we  take  no  prudent  care,  but  are,  or  feem  ignorant 
of  fuch  a  growing  evil  and  danger.  Now,  it  becomes  a 
wife  man,  and  a  lover  of  Greece,  one  who  fees  farther  into 
futurity  than  others,  to  ufe  thofe  men  in  a  war  againft  the 
common  enemy,  and,  cutting  off  fuch  a  part  of  the  country, 
as  I  fpoke  of  before,  to  free  the  above-mentioned  mercena- 
ries from  the  calamities  they  ftruggle  with,  and  caufe  to 
others ;  to  compofe,  I  fay,  cities  and  colonies  of  them, 
and,  by  fuch  garrifons,  fecure  Greece,  while  they  will  be  fo 
many  ftrong  forts  on  the  frontiers :  if  you  do  this,  you  will 
not  only  render  them  happy,  but  will  fecure  us  all.  And 
ihould  you  even  fail  of  this,  you  will  certainly  recover  the 
freedom  of  the  Grecian  Afiatic  cities.  Whichfoever  of 
thefe  glorious  points  you  gain,  or  even  only  undertake,  you 
will  certainly  acquire  more  glory  than  any  other ;  and  this 

juftly. 


■1«1' 


J  r  . 


:^' 


.s   ■ 

'-■*■; 


a-4 


I 


of    ISOCRATES.        ui 

juftly,  if  you  begin  fuch  an  enterprize,  and  encourage 
others  to  join  in  it.  But  who  would  not  at  prefent  won- 
der at  what  has  happened,  and  defpife  us,  fmce  there  have 
rifen  men  amongft  the  Barbarians,  whom  we  efteem  effe- 
minate and  unwarlike,  who  have  imagined  they  could  fub- 
je6l  all  Greece  :  but  no  Grecian  hitherto  (excepting  Her- 
cules) has  had  fo  much  wifdom  or  courage,  as  to  attempt 
to  make  us  mafters  of  Afia ;  nay,  we  are  fo  far  inferior  to 
them  in  this  regard,  that  they  have  not  been  afraid  to  com- 
mence enmity  againft  us :  and  ihall  not  we  have  the  refo- 
lution  to  take  a  juft  revenge  of  fuch  aggrefTors  ?  But  tho* 
they  confefs,  that  they  have  neither  good  foldiers  nor  ge- 
nerals, nor  any  other  preparations  againft  dangers,  grant- 
ing like  wife,  that  they  are  forced  to  purchafe  them  from  us, 
yet  we  have  fuch  a  mad  inclination  to  hurt  one  another, 
that,  tho*  we  may  eafily  poffefs  ourfelves  of  their  ftates,  we 
will  fight  with  one  another  for  trifles  ;  nay,  we  deftroy  the 
perfons  who  revolt  from  the  king,  and,  out  of  mutual 
hatred,  ruin  thofe  related  to  us  in  blood,  rather  than  the 
Barbarians.  Now,  I  think  it  worthy  of  you,  while  others 
are  in  this  fupine  condition,  to  be  leader  in  a  war  againft 
them.  It  becomes  both  the  dependents  of  Hercules,  and 
all  in  pofts  of  public  power,  to  love  thofe  cities  which  they 
live  in  ;  but  you,  as  a  deliverer,  ftiould  confult  the  good 
of  all  Greece,  as  did  your  great  progenitor,  and  run  the 
utmoft  hazards  of  war  for  the  univerfal  profperity  and  hap- 
pinefsof  Greece. 

Perhaps  fome  will  blame  me,  in  this  manner,  having 
nothing  elfe  to  fay,  that  I  have  exhorted  you  particularly 
to  this  war,  and  the  care  of  all  Greece,  while  I  omit  my 
own  city.  Had  I  addrefled  fuch  a  difcourfe  to  others  firft, 
before  my  own  country,  which  has  three  times  delivered 
Greece,  twice  from  the  Barbarians,  and  once  from  the  La- 
cedaemonians ;  had  I  done  this,  I  acknowledge,  I  fliould 
have  deferved  juft  reprehenfion.  But  I  ftiall  appear  now  to 
any  equitable  perfon,  only  to  exhort  him  who  is  moft  ca- 
pable and  willing,  to  fuch  a  glorious  undertaking ;  for  I 

per- 


122       The    ORATIONS 

perceived  my  own  country  lefs  regarded  what  I  propofed, 
than  the  mad  reveries  of  her  venal  orators  ;  and  therefore 
I  defpaired  of  my  firft  defign,  but  not  of  my  whole  inten- 
tion :  wherefore  all  ought  defervedly  to  praife  me,  that,  by 
this  faculty  I  am  pofTefled  of,  I  have  always  made  war  againft 
the  Barbarians,  and  accufed  others  of  imprudence,  who 
were  not  of  my  fcntiment ;  and,  in  this  view,  I  always  en- 
deavoured to  perfuade  thofe,  chiefly,  who  were  moft  ca- 
pable of  doing  the  Grecians  good,  and  deprive  the  Barba- 
rians of  their  prefent  affluence  and  fuperfluity.  On  this 
account  I  addrefs  this  oration  to  you  ;  tho'  I  am  not  igno- 
rant, that  many  will  envy  me  for  this  freedom,  but  all,  I 
am  fure,  will  delight  in  the  execution  of  my  propofal.  As 
for  my  oration,  none  will  think  they  have  a  fhare  in  it ;  but 
all  will  think  themfelves  partakers  of  your  fuccefsful  glo- 
rious actions  againft  the  Perfians.  Confider  here  what  a 
fhame  it  would  be  to  you,  to  fufFer  Afia  to  be  in  greater 
profperity  than  Europe,  and  Barbarians  happier  than  the 
Grecians ;  that  thofe  who  are  defcended  from  Cyrus,  whom 
his  mother  expofed,  Ihould  be  called  the  great  kings,  and 
thofe  whom  Hercules  begot,  whom,  for  his  immortal  vir- 
tues, his  father  advanced  to  the  rank  of  the  gods,  fhould 
be  contented  with  inferior  appellations ;  which  certainly 
Ihould  never  be  fuffered,  but  fuch  a  diforder  be  remedied, 
and  things  in  this  regard  changed  according  to  natural  me- 
rit. You  know,  I  am  perfuaded,  I  would  not  counfelyou 
to  this,  if  I  forefaw  nothing  would  accrue  to  you  but  power 
and  treafures ;  for  I  am  fenfible,  you  have  fufficiently  al- 
ready, and  I  am  equally  fo,  that  he  muft  be  blindly  avari- 
cious, who  expofes  himfelf  to  dangers,  and  will  either  ac- 
quire fupcrfiuities,  or  lofe  his  life.  But  I  compofed  not  this 
oration  with  a  view  to  fuch  acqulfitions ;  but,  on  the  con- 
trary, becaufe  I  judged,  that,  from  this  enterprize,  the 
greateft  honour  and  glory  will  redound  to  you.  Reflect 
iferioufly,  that  we  all  of  us  have  a  mortal  body ;  but  that  juft 
praife  and  efteem,  which  are  the  confcquence  of  great  ac- 
tions, make  us  partake  of  immortality,  which  we  ought  to 

J  defire 


m 


we*  I 


.'It,. 


-■■'i'«- 

M 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         123 

defire  above  all  other  objedls.  You  may  obferve  likewifc, 
that  the  moft  virtuous  private  perfons  are  not  willing  to  part 
with  life  on  any  other  fcore ;  but  readily  lay  it  down  in 
battle  for  fame  and  honour :  in  a  word,  that  thofe,  who 
grafp  at  boundlefs  glory,  are  ever  praifed  by  all ;  but  that 
thofe,  who  confine  their  thoughts  to  fuch  vulgar  obje<Sb  as 
are  commonly  purfued,  are  reputed  grovelling,  and  worthy 
of  oblivion.  Befides,  enemies  may  poflefs  themfelves  of  riches 
or  kingdoms ;  but  none,  except  thofe  who  have  been  begotten 
by  us,  can  be  heir  to  our  country's  love  and  admiration  for 
fuch  virtues  as  I  have  mentioned ;  fo  that  I  fhould  be  afhamed 
did  I  not  counfel  you,  in  this  view,  to  make  the  alliance  of 
all  Greece,  unite  its  forces,  and  run  the  hazards  of  war  for 
univei  fal  good.  You  will  take  the  prudenteft  advice  upoit 
this  important  fubje6l,  if  you  think,  that  not  only  I  exhort 
you,  but  your  anceftors  fame  and  glory,  as  well  as  all  the 
diftinguifhed  heroes  of  antiquity,  who  were  efteemed,  and 
made  demi-gods,  for  their  military  adlions  againft  the 
Afiatics.  But,  laftly,  you  cannot  doubt  what  refolution 
you  ought  to  take,  if  you  confider  the  opportunity  arifing 
from  your  prefent  power,  which  is  certainly  fuperior  to  any 
in  Europe ;  and,  at  the  fame  time,  how  that  the  Perfian 
monarchjwho  now  reigns,  is  the  moft  univerfally  hated  and 
defpifed  of  all  his  predeceflbrs.  I  wifh  I  could  colledl  to- 
gether all  the  writings,  which  I  have  compofed  on  this  to- 
pic ;  for,  I  believe,  my  difcourfe  would  appear  ftill  more  full 
and  compleat  :  but  you  muft  fupply  this  by  your  extenfivc 
mind,  in  confidering  all  the  motives  which  may  perfuade 
and  exhort  you  to  the  war  with  Perfia.  I  am  not  ignorant, 
that  many  of  the  Grecians  think  the  king's  power  invin- 
cible :  now,  it  feems  to  me  a  paradox,  that  they  fhould 
imagine  a  ftate,  that  is  governed  by  a  perfon  fo  ill-educated, 
and  whofe  principles  tend  to  flavery,  might  not  be  diflblved 
by  a  man  of  the  moft  confummate  prudence  in  war,  and 
whofe  politics  defign  univerfal  liberty  and  peace.  Befides, 
they  cannot,  fure,  be  infenfible  of  this,  that  kingdoms  diffi- 
cultly are  eftablifhed,  but  eafily  diflblved.  Confider  like- 
wife. 


124       The    ORATIONS 

wife,  that  all  mankind  moft  admire  thofe  who  are  capable 
of  both  excellencies,  a  wife  management  in  peace,  and 
conduct  in  war.  But  if  you  fee  thofe,  who  govern  in  one 
only  city,  when  poflciTed  of  thofe  faculties,  univerfally 
praifed,  what  muft  you  imagine  will  be  mankind's  admira- 
tion of  your  virtues,  wheq  you  have  benefited  all  Greece  by 
your  wifdom,  and  have  conquered  the  Barbarians  by  your 
martial  conducl  ?  I  hopfe  this  will  be  effeded  3  nor  can  a 
more  univerfally  beneficial  adion  be  performed,  than  your 
reconciling  the  different  cities  of  Greece  j  nor  ever  a  like 
power  be  cemented  by  the  Barbarians,  if  you  overthrow 
their  prefent  armies  :  and  ihould  any  one  in  pofterity  excel 
all  others  in  the  dignity  and  perfection  of  his  nature,  he 
will  never  have  a  like  opportunity.  And  we  may  juflly 
fay,  you  have  excelled  the  adions  of  the  antients  both  nobly 
and  heroically  ;  for  you  have  fubjeded  as  many  nations  as 
others  have  conquered  cities :  and  can  the  inequality  then 
be  doubted  of  betwixt  you  and  them  in  glory?  But  I  decline 
the  comparifon,  for  two  reafons ;  the  fii  fl,  becaufe  fome  have 
done  this  imprudently ;  and,  fecondly,  becaufe  I  would  not 
feem  to  degrade  thofe  who  are  efteemed  demi-gods  and  di- 
vine heroes.  Refledl  likewife  (to  hint  fomething  here  of 
antiquity),  that  neither  orator  or  poet  can  either  praife  the 
riches  of  Tantalus,  the  power  of  Euryftheus,  or  the  empire 
of  Pelops  i  but  muft  poflpone  them  to  Hercules's  glory,  to 
Thefeus's  virtues,  and  the  merits  of  thofe,  and  fuch  like 
them,  who  fought  at  Troy  :  and  yet  the  molt  famous  and 
renowned  of  thofe  heroes  governed  only  in  fmall  cities  and 
inconfiderable  illands,  tho'  they  left  behind  them  a  glory 
that  was  thought  divine,  and  deferving  eternal  memory ; 
for  none  love  thofe,  who  acquire  to  themfelves  the  greatefl 
power,  but  thofe  who  are  the  authors  of  the  greatelt  hap- 
pinefs  to  Greece.  Nor  will  you  fee  this  verified  in  the 
examples  only  which  I  have  mentioned,  but  conflantly  in 
all  that  take  .the  fame  method  :  fo  none  will  praife  our  city, 
that  it  had  the  command  at  fea,  or  acquired  fuch  fums  of 
money  from  its  confederates,  to  repofite  in  the  citadel  j 

nor. 


.  ■* 


».'. 


■'c»*.- 

■>"',' 

0 


m 


of    ISOCRATES.        12; 

ftor,  Indeed,  becaufe  it  was  mafter  of  fo  many  cities,  fo  as  to 
rafe  fome,  to  encreafe  others,  and,  in  fine^  manage  the  af- 
fairs of  not  a  few.  It  could  indeed  effedt  this ;  but  what 
happened  from  it  ?  It  was  feverely  reproached  by  many. 
But,  in  regard  of  the  battle  of  Marathon,  the  fea-fight  at 
Salamis,  and  the  abandoning  its  houfes  for  the  public  good, 
all  mankind  praifes  them.  The  fame  judgment  is  paffed 
upon  the  Lacedaemonians ;  for  men  more  admire  and  praife 
their  defeat  at  Thermopylae,  than  all  their  other  victories  ; 
and  look  upon  the  trophy,  which  the  proud  Barbarians 
raifed  for  their  overthrow,  with  love  and  veneration ;  but 
thofe  trophies  they  raifed  themfelves  for  the  conqueft  of  other 
Grecians,  with  regret  and  difpleafure :  for  they  efteem  the 
former  a  monument  of  their  valour  and  virtue,  but  the 
latter,  of  their  avarice  and  oppreflion. 

Having  therefore  confidered  thefe  differences,  and  ex- 
plained them  to  you,  if  I  have  fpoken  any  thing  lefs  wor- 
thy of  my  fubjedt,  you  ought  to  have  an  eye  to  my  age, 
which,  I  believe,  you  will  think  worthy  of  allowances ; 
for  if  my  prefent  difcourfe  is  equal  to  my  former  writings, 
it  ought  not  to  be  fo  much  fuppofed  my  age  was  capable  of 
it,  as  that  fome  god  fuggefted  thefe  thoughts,  not  for  the 
love  of  me,  but  rather  of  all  Greece,  out  of  a  defire  of 
freeing  it  from  its  prefent  calamities,  and  encreafmg  your ' 
glory  even  beyond  what  you  have  hitherto  acquired.  I  do 
not  imagine  you  ignorant  of  the  fuperintendency  and  pro- 
vidence of  the  gods  ;  for  they  arc  not  vifible  authors  of  our 
happinefs  or  mifery,  but  they  give  us  fuch  fentiments  and 
inclinations  as  are  productive  of  them;  and  now,  to  this 
end,  have  probably  fuggefted  to  me  this  exhortation,  and 
rcferved  for  you  the  glory  of  the  execution  of  fo  great  a 
defign,  as  being  moft  worthy  and  capable  of  it ;  but,  per- 
haps, made  my  difcourfe  not  difagreeable  to  the  hearers.  I 
judge  likewife,  that  you  could  never  have  efFecSted  thofe 
noble  actions  which  you  have  done,  if  fome  god  had  not 
directed  you ;  not  with  a  view  only  that  you  (hould  deftroy 
the  Barbarians  that  have  fettled  themfelves  in  Europe,  but 

that 


126     'The     ORATIONS 

that,  firft,  being  thus  exercifed  and  experienced,  known  for 
the  hero  you  are,  you  may  finally  aim  at  that  glorious  con- 
dufion  which  I  propofe.     It  is  certainly  an  infamy,  when 
fortune  feems  to  lead  in  the  path  of  glory,  to  be  left  behind, 
and  not  dare  to  advance  where  (he  points  out  the  way  to 
honour  and  everlafting  fame.     I  think  you  ought  to  value 
all  fuch  as  fpeak  well  of  your  adions ;  but,  methinks,  thofe 
praife  you  moft,  who  believe  you  worthy  and  capable  of  the 
greateft  adions  -,  and  not  only  thofe  who  fpeak  agreeably  to 
your  ear  at  prefent,  but  fuch  as  will  make  pofterity  admire 
your  aaions  beyond  thofe  of  any  of  your  predecelTors :  and 
though  I  would  fay  many  more  things  to  this  purpofe,  I  am 
not  capable  for  that  reafon,  which  I  have  mentioned  but  too 
often  already.     It  now  remains,  that  I  fhould  recapitulate 
what  I  have  faid,  that  you  may  fee  in  one  point  what  I  kave 
propofed  to  your  wifdom  ;  I  fay,  you  ought  to  do  good  to 
all  Greece,  rule  over  the  Macedonians  as  a  father,  and  ex- 
tend your  power  as  far  as  poffible  among  the  Barbarians  : 
f6r  if  you  do  this,  all  will  think  themfelves  obliged  to  you  ; 
the  Grecians,  upon  account  of  the  advantages  which  they 
reapi  the  Macedonians,  for  your  royal,  not  tyrannical  pro- 
teaion;  and  all  mankind,  if  you  free  them  from  the  arbi- 
trary government  of  the  Barbarians,  while  they  arc  pro- 
teded  by  the  mildnef^  of  Grecian  government.     Whether 
this  oration  has  been  written  in  a  proper  jundure,  and 
with  care,  I  leave  to  the  audience ;  but  I  am  perfuaded,  no 
one  can  advife.  you  to  what  is  more  laudable,  and  worthy  of 
your  diftinguiflied  high  charader. 


i.f 


THE    SIXTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S, 


CALLED, 


ARCHIDAMUS: 


ADDRESSED   TO    THE 


■  >«^ 


"A.". 


LACEDiEMONIAN    SeNATE, 


THE 


•-■■;' 

Hi'- 


I  "9  1 


The     SUBJECT. 

jfFTER  the  battle  of  LeuElrdy  the  TTjebans 
"^  made  incur/ions  into  the  country  of  the  La- 
cedcemoniam^  and  catifedthem  a  'variety  of  cola-- 
mities :  fo  that  the  Lacedamonian  women^  meet" 
ing  their  hujhands  in  their  fight  ^  ajkedthem^  if 
they  thought  it  pojjible  to  take  refuge  in  their 
wombs.  By  this  reproach  they  took  courage^  andy 
being  bravely  ajfjled  by  the  Athenian  horfe^  got 
tha  iji Story  at  Mantinea.  After  the  affair  at 
Mantinea^  they  defred  peace  of  the  Thebans  by 
their  ambaffadors\  who  anfweredy  they  would 
give  ity  on  condition  they  would  rebuild  Meffena^ 
and  let  it  be  free.  When  others  would  have 
agreed  to'tthefe'^terms^  Archidamus  the  ydun^'er 
oppofes  them.  There  arefome  who  fuppofe^  that 
Archidamus  had  this  oration  written  for  him  by 
Ifocrates  ;  others  rather  think  it  compofed  by  Ifo^ 
crates  for  his  own  exercifcy  and  that  he  might 
Jhew  what  he  thought  worthy  of  Archidamus  to 
fay  in  opert  fenate\  It  is  in  the  deliberative 
kindy  and  particularly  infi/is  upon  the  topic  of 
utility. 


-■■"ST- 


V 


s  ■ 

Ik 
*■/;.- 


M 


4i#3*'  '''S>  y  '^f-.A^^^ 


THE    SIXTH 


4 

Oration  of  Isocrates, 


CALLED 


ARCHIDAMUS: 


ADDRESSED   TO    THE 


Lacedaemonian  Senate, 


PERHAPS  fome  of  you  may  wonder,  that  I,  who 
always  fo  exadly  kept  the  decorum  of  the  laws,  as 
none  that  I  know  of  my  equals  have  done,  feem 
now  fo  changed,  that  I  dare  to  give  public  counfel,  young 
as  I  am,  about  what  my  elders  have  a  difficulty  to  explain 
themfelves  upon.  Had  any  of  thofe,  who  were  accuftomed 
to  fpeak  here,  exprefTed  themfelves  worthily  of  our  city,  I 
would  have  held  my  tongue  ^  but  feeing  fome  acquiefcing  to 
what  the  enemy  propofes,  and  others  not  ftrenuoufly  re- 
fifting  fuch  meannefs,  others  quite  fdent,  I  have  ventured 
to  rife  up,  and  declare  my  fentiments  upon  this  occafion  : 
for  I  judge  it  a  (hame  for  him,  who  conducts  his  own  life 
with  honour,  if  he  permits  the  city  to  neglect:  its  reputa- 
tion. I  likewife  think,  that,  if  it  becomes  others  to  (peak 
of  other  fubjeds,  it  certainly  becomes  thofe  to  fpeak  of 
peace  or  war,  who  muft  run  the  greateft  hazards ;  efpeci- 
ally  fuppofmg  them  capable  of  knowing  what  moft  con- 
cerns the  public.     Was  it  a  certain  truth,  that  old  men 

K  always 


4k^ 


ijo       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

always  undei-ftood  what  was  beft  in  every  affair,  and  young 
men  were  excluded  from  prudence,  it  would  be  juft  that 
youth  fhould  be  banifhed  from  public  counfels  ;  but  fmce 
the  number  of  years  does  not  make  the  diftindlion  in  de- 
grees of  wifdom,  but  nature  and  diligence,  why  (hould 
you  not  hear  the  reafonings  of  both  ag^,  that  from  thence 
you  may  conclude  on  what  is  the  moil  convenient  ?  I  won- 
der, we  fhould  be  judged  worthy  of  commanding  fleets, 
and  condufSting  armies  ;  which  trufls  did  we  not  anfwer  by 
our  wife  condud:,  we  muft  inevitably  plunge  the  city  into 
a  variety  of  calamities  ;  and  yet  not  to  be  permitted  to  ex- 
plain our  minds,  of  what  you  yourfelves  are  conftituted 
finally  the  determining  judges  ;  and  in  which  regard,  did 
we  happen  to  fhew  prudence,  we  muft  neceffarily  benefit 
the  whole  ftate  ;  and,  failing  of  our  intention,  appear  in  a 
difadvantageous  light  ourfelves,  but  no  ways  prejudice  the 
public.  I  reafon  not  in  this  manner,  out  of  a  love  of  po- 
pularity, or  of  any  other  form  of  government;  but.  with  a 
▼lew  to  perfuade  you  not  to  reje£l  any  age,  but  fee,  if  anv 
ftage  of  life,  in  the  prefent  fituation  of  our  affairs,  can  find 
out  what  will  be  publicly  beneficial. 

From  its  flrfl  eftablifhment,  there  never  was  a  war,  or 
danger,  fo  great  as  thi^,  which  now  threatens  our  city,  and 
about  which  I  have  ventured  to  give  you  counfel.  In  for- 
mer times,  we  contended  to  govern  others ;  biit,  now,  the 
queftion  put  is,  whether  we  fhall  obey  foreign  orders,  in 
which  our  very  liberty  is  concerned  ?  for  which,  it  behoves 
us  to  fufFer  the  greateft  hardfhips,  as  well  as  all  others, 
that  are  not  quite  effeminate,  or  retain  the  leaft  fpark  of 
virtue.  As  for  me  (to  fpeak  now  of  myfelf),  1  would 
chufe  to  die  at  prefent,  rather  than  fubmit  to  the  prefcrip- 
tion  of  the  Thebans,  tho'  I  might  protra6l  my  life  by  do- 
ing fo  :  for  I  fhould  be  afhamed,  if,  being  the  defcen- 
dent  of  Hercules,  my  father  a  king,  and  I  myfelf  hav- 
ing a  like  profped,  I  fhould  be  carelefs,  while  I  faw 
thofe  lands,  which  our  anceftors  had  left  us,  in  the  poffef- 
iion  of  our  flavej.     I  wifh  you  would  entertain  the  fame 

fentiments 


i 


of    1  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        131 

ftntiments  as  I.     Hitherto  we  fhall  feem  only  unfortunate 
in  our  war  with  the  Thebans,  and  be  overcome,  in  our 
bodies,  by  the  defedl:  and  ill-condu£l  of  our  generals ;  but 
ilill  have  our  fouls  free  and  invincible :  if  you  part  meanly 
with  our  indifputed  property,  you  will  encreafe  the  The- 
ban  pride,  and  raife  a  more  glorious  trophy  for  them,  than 
that  of  Leudra  over  ourfelves ;  that  of  Leuclra   will  be 
thought  the  monument  of  our  misfortune  ;  but  the  other, 
a  witnefs   of  our  own  abjedtnefs.     Let  none,  therefore, 
perfuade  you  to  difgrace  the  city  with  fuch  infamy.     But 
our  allies  have  advifed  us  to  abandon  Meffena,  and  make 
peace ;  whofe  behaviour  you  ought  to  have  a  greater  re- 
fentment  of,  than  of  theirs  who  deferted  us  in   the  begin- 
ning :  for  the  latter,  abandoning  our  friendfhip,  ruined 
their   own  cities,  throwing  their  citizens    into  divifions, 
flaughters,  and  a  tyrannical,  difordered  oeconomy  of  govern- 
ment ;  but  thefe  defign  deliberately  your  ruin  :  they  would 
perfuade  you  cowardly  to  throw  away  that  glory  in  a  fhort 
time,  which  your  anceftors  had  been  at  incredible  pains  and 
induftry  in  acquiring,  during  the  fpace  of  feven  hundred 
years.     Nothing  can  be  more  diftionourable  or  affliaive  to 
Lacedaemon  ;  nor  could  they  have  fhewn  their  malice  and 
jealoufy  more  effedually.     They  have  that  grafping  ambi- 
tion, and  fuch  contempt  of  our  courage,  that,  tho'  they 
have  fo  often  defired  our  bravery  and  generoilty  to  aftifl 
them,  they  now  tell  us,  that  we  ought  not  to  expofe  our- 
felves for  Meffena  j  and,  that  they  may  enjoy  their  happi- 
nefs  in  peace,  they  endeavour  to  perfuade  us,  that  we 
ought  to  yield  to  our  enemies,  and  threaten,  that  if  we  fol- 
low not  advice,  they  will  make  a  feparate  accommodation. 
I  judge  not,  that  this  danger  will  be  more  hazardous  than 
glorious  for  us  without  them ;  I  would  fay,  more  fplendid, 
and  admired  by  all  mankind.    To  endeavour  our  own  free- 
dom, and  conquer  our  enemies,  by  ourfelves,  is  agreeable  . 
to  the  other  noble  adions  of  our  city.    I  formerly,  mdecd, 
loved  not  ftudied  difcourfes,  but  thought  fuch  as  employed 
tbemfelves  in  harangues,  were  indolent  in  refped  of  ac- ' 

K,  2  tionj 


132         The    ORATIONS 

tion ;  but  now  fhould  efteem  no  faculty  more,  than  the 
power  of  fully  explaining  the  important  fubjedt  which  I 
have  in  view :  for  could  I  effect  this,  I  believe,  I  (hould 
thereby  be  author  of  the  greateft  poffibk  good  to  our 
city. 

In  the  firft  place,  I  think  you  ought  to  remember  in 
what  manner  we  acquired  MefTena,  and  for  what  reafon 
now   inhabit  Pelojponnefus,   who   were   Doreans  before. 
For  this  caufe,  I  will  afiume  my  difcourfe  the  higher,  that 
you  may  the  better  underftand  why  they  would  have  you 
deprived  of  this  region,  which  you  have  as  juft  a  title  to  as 
Lacedaemon  itfelf.  After  that  Hercules  had  changed  this  life 
for  immortality,  and  of  a  man  became  a  god,  his  children, 
upon  account  of  the  envy  of  their  enemies,  were  driven  to 
different  banifhments ;  but,  when  Euryfthcus   was  dead, 
they  dwelt  amongft  the  Doreans.     About  the  third  defcent, 
they  came  to  Delphi,  to  confult  the  oracle  there ;  but  the 
god,  whom  they  confulted,  did  not  give  them  a  clear  an- 
fwer,  and  only  faid,  theymuft  return  to  their  native  coun- 
,  try.    Upon  confidering  the  oracle,  they  found  Argos  nearly 
related  to  them  (for  Euryflheus  being  dead,  they  alone  were 
left  of  the  Perfidae) ;    Lacedaemon  they  found    enflaved, 
which  place  Tindarus  gave  to  Hercules  for  reftoring  him 
after  he  had  been  depofed  (Caflcr  and  Pollux  being  dead 
before),  both  on  account  of  fuch  a  benefit,  and  his  con- 
fanguinity  with  his  fons.     As  for  MefTena,  it  had  been 
gained  by  the  right  of  war  ;  for  Hercules,   having  been 
robbed  of  his  oxen  (which  he  had  brought  from  Erythea) 
by  Neleus  and  his  fons  (exclufive  of  Neftor)  after  he  had 
taken  it  by  force,  flew  all  thofe  who  had   injured  him  5 
but  entrufled  the  city  to  Neflor,  thinking  him  pofTefTed 
of  prudence;  becaufe,  though  the  youngefl:,  he  had  not 
joined  in  his  family's  injuflice.     Judging  this  to  be  the 
meaning  of  the  oracle,  and  afTociating  your  anceflors,  they 
raifed  an  army,  and,  having  diflributed  their  land  to  their 
fellow-fold iers,  they  retained   the  royalty  to  themfelves ; 
and,  upon  thefe  terms,  they  undertook  a  common  expedi- 
tion. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       133 

tion»  But  I  need  not  mention  here,  methinks,  the  dan- 
gers and  actions  of  that  enterprize,  as  being  foreign  to  my 
purpofe.  They  conquered,  in  this  war,  thofe  who  inha- 
bited the  above-mentioned  places,  and  divided  their  king- 
doms in  three-fold  order.  You  continue,  to  this  day,  con- 
ftant  in  the  agreement  which  you  made  with  our  anceflors  ; 
and  for  this,  in  former  time,  you  flourifhed  more,  and  en- 
joyed more  profperity  than  others :  and  it  is  to  be  hoped, 
being  of  this  difpofition,  you  will,  in  your  enterprizes,  be 
attended  with  greater  fuccefs  than  you  are  at  prefent.  But 
the  MefTenians  arrived  at  that  pitch  of  impiety,  that  they 
flew  Crefphontes,  the  builder  of  the  city,  the  lord  of  the 
territory,  the  defcendent  of  Hercules,  and  their  own  gene- 
ral :  his  children  efcaping,  became  fuppliants  to  this  city  . 
begged  we  would  revenge  their  father,  and  gave  up  to  us 
the  country :  wherefore,  after  confulting  the  oracle,  and 
having  been  counfelled  by  the  god  to  accept  of  what  was  of- 
fered, you  punifhed  injuflice,  befieged  MefTena,  and  pofTef- 
fed  yourfelves  of  the  place. 

Now,  I  am  lenfible,  I  have  not  fpoken  accurately  of 
our  right  from  the  beginning  (for  the  prefent  time  does  not 
permit  me  to  rummage  into  antiquity) ;  but  it  was  necef- 
fary  I  fliould  fpeak  of  fome  things  briefly,  rather  than  with 
difFufe  perfpicuity :  and  I  perfuade  myfelf,  it  is  manifefl  to 
all,  that  we  did  not  at  firfl  acquire  even  this  country,  which 
is   allowed  by  all  to  be  our  property,  more  juflly  than 
this  controverted  one.     We  inhabit  this,  becaufe  it  was 
given  us  by  the  Heraclidae,  a  god  commanded,  and  '*'e  ex- 
pelled, by  war,  thofe  who  then  held  it;  and,  in  the  fame 
manner,  we  received  the  other  city,  and  by  the  dire£lion  of 
the  fame  oracle.  But  if  we  are  of  fuch  a  mind,  that  we  will 
refufe  our  enemies  nothing,  even  tho'  they  did  command  us 
to  furrender  Sparta,  it  is  vain  to  concern  ourfelves  about 
MefTena :  but  if  there  is  not  a  man  of  you,  who  would  not 
chufe  to  die  before  he  would  do  this,  you  ought  to  be  of 
the  fame  fentlments  in  rc2;ard  of  both ;  for  we  have  the 
fame  right,  and  the  fame  reafons,  for  either  refolution. 

K  3  Befides, 


M-'  i'' 
t 

i 


134        The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

Befides,  you  cannot  be  ignorant,  that  all  men  judge  thofe 
pofTeiTions,  which  they  have  held  a  Jong  time,  ^s  their 
undoubted  property.     Now,  we  took  Meflena  before  the 
Perfians  poflefTed  themfelves  of  the  kingdom,   and  fub- 
dued  the  continent ;  or  even  before  fome  Grecian  cities 
w^ere  founded.     And  tho'  you  have  this  to  plead,  thefe  very 
Thebans  granted  Afia,  as  his  patrimony,  to  the  Barbarian^ 
who  has  not  held  that  kingdom  as  yet  two  hundred  years 
compleat  5  yet  would  take  from  us  Meflena,  who  have  held 
it  above  double  that  fpace  of  time  already.     They  lately  de- 
ftrcycd  Plateae  and  Thefpae  ;  and  now  they  are  for  rebuild- 
ing this  after  three  hundred  years  :  they  do  both  thefe  things 
contrary   to   their  oaths    and  covenants.     Had  they  en- 
deavoured to  have  rcHored  the  true  Meflenians^  they  had 
aaed  unju%,  but  they  would  thereby  have  been  guilty  of 
a  lefs  injuftice  tovrards  us.  Now,  they  would  have  our  own 
fervants  our  next  independent  neighbours  ;  fo  that  it  will 
not  be  our  greateft  hardfhip  to  be  deprived  of  the  territory 
contrary  to  equity,  but  to  fee  our  fervants  lords  and  mafters 
of  it. 

By  what  follows,  you  will  more  clearly  underftand,  that 
we  fufFer  great  opprefTion,  and  that  we  have  a  juft  title  ta 
MefTena.     When  the  circumftances  of  war  were  far  more 
detrimental  to  us  than  our  enemies,  we  were  forced  to  con- 
clude a  peace :  but,  even  in  this  time,  when  the  treaty  was 
on  fuch  terms,  that  we  could  expedt  no  advantage,  the  dif- 
puje'  arofe  about  other  fubjeas.     Neither  the  Perfian  king, 
nor  the  Theban  commonwealth,  objected  to  us,  that  we 
were  poflefTed  of  Meflena  unjuftly.     Now,  wh  at  greater  or 
more  evident  proof  can  we  find  of  our  claim  than  this,  that 
h  was  acknowledged  even  by  our  enemies  in  our  adverfity. 
As  for  the  oracle,  which  is  confefled  by  all  the  antienteft,  as 
well  as  moft  univerfally  equitable,  it  did  not  only  declare 
Meflena  to  be  ours,  becaufe,  upon  the  gift  of  it  to  us  by 
Crefphontes*s  children,  it  had  ordered  us  to  accept  the  city, 
^d-afllfl:   the  oppreflfed  3  but,  even  long  after  the  com- 
nicr*cement  gf  the  war,  when  each  had  fent  to  Delphi , 

they 


^  % 


\ 


1 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  TE  S. 

they  imploring  fafety  and  proteftion,  and  we  the  methods 
of  moft  expeditioufly  making  ourfelves  matters  of  the  place ; 
to  the  Mefl!enians  the  oracle  anfwered  nothing,  as  to  per- 
fons  who  made  an  unjuft  petition ;  but  revealed  to  us  the 
facrifices  we  ought  to  make,  and  the  alliances  we  were  to 
feek  after.     Now,  once  more,  let  me  afk,  what  greater 
proof  than  this  can  be  given  ?  for  it  is  certain,  thatwe  firft 
received  this  city  voluntarily  from  the  right  owners  (and  it  is 
not  improper  briefly  to  mention  this) ;  afterwards  we  pof- 
fefied  ourfelves  of  it  by  war,  by  which  means,  in  thofe 
times,  moft  pofleflions  had  their  beginning :  add  to  this, 
that  we  drove  away  the  enemies  of  Hercules's  children, 
who  fhould  have  been  exterminated  from  the  face  of  the 
univerfe  :  finally,  by  the  length  of  time,  the  judgment  of 
our  enemies,  and  the  declaration  of  a  god,  we  were  allowed 
to  have  acquired  it  juftly.     Each  of  thefe  proofs  and  titles 
is  fufficient  to  overthrow  all  the  falfe  pretences  of  our  ad- 
verfaries,  ihould  they  fay,  that  we  either  now  make  war 
out  of  avarice,  or  did  at  firft,  out  of  an  unjuft  principle, 
make  war  on  the  Meflenians.     I  could  fay  more  for  our  juft 
claim  to  Meflena ;  but,  I  believe,  this  may  fuifice. 

Those,  who  would  counfel  us  to  make  a  peace,  alledge, 
that  it  does  not  become  the  unfortunate  and  happy  to  rea- 
fon  in  the  fame  manner  5  but,  in  the  prefent  conjundure, 
take  prudent  advice,  obey  neceflity,  and  not  attempt  things 
beyond  our  power  ;  nor  have  fo  much  equity  tenacioufly  in 
view,  as  utility.    In  other  regards,  I  agree  with  thefe  men ; 
but  that  utility  fhould  ever  be  preferred  to  juftice,  is  what 
they  can  never  perfuade  me  to  by  any  arguments  :  for,  m 
this  fentiment,  I  fee  all  laws  were  firft  enadled,  that  good 
and  wife  men  judged  noble  adions  deferving  of  honour; 
that  the  beft  governed  cities  ever  obferved  this  rule,  and 
ftruggled  to  conclude  wars  by  the  merits  of  juftice  and 
equity  ;  in  fine,   that  the  whole  race  of  mankind  are  pre- 
ferved  by  juftice,  but  deftroyed  and  diflblved  by  injufticc 
and  cowardice :  wherefore  they  ought  never  to  defpond, 
who  fight  on  the  fide  of  juftice,  but  rather  the  opprcflbrs, 

K  4  and 


■  liy  I  I'C 


136       The    ORATIONS 

and  fuch  as  know  not  how  to  bear  profperity  and  power 
with  moderation.     We  fhould  likewife  confider  this,  that 
all  are  agreed  about  our  right,  but  we  difpute  about  the 
utility.     Now,  two  goods  being  propofed,  the  one  evident, 
the  other  uncertain,  is  it  not  folly  to  refufe  what  is  confef- 
fedly  a  good,  and  purfue  a  doubtful  one?  the  difference 
likewife  in  the  option  betwixt  them  being  fo  great.     My 
difcourfe  exhorts  you  to  quit  nothing  of  your  right,  nor 
make  the  city  obnoxious  to  difgrace  and  infamy ;  but  brave- 
ly to  face  danger,  in  hope  we  (hall  have  better  fuccefs  in  the 
caufe  of  juflice,  than  our  enemies  in  the  defign  of  oppref- 
fion.     Others  advife  you  to  abandon  MefTena ;  and  if  you 
commit  an  injuftice  againft  yourfelves,  perhaps  you  will  be 
deprived  of  imaginary  utility,  as  well  as  your  right,  and 
whatever  cKe  you  may  exped ;  for  it  does  not  appear,  that 
though  we  ihould  comply  with  what  is  commanded,  that 
we  (hall  have  a  fure  lafting  peace.     You  are  not  igno- 
rant, I  judge,  that  all  men  reafon  with  thofe  who  re- 
in    ftrate  againft  injuftice  ;  but  are  apt,  when  they  find 
ready  compliance,  to  impofe  further  and  more  hard  com- 
mands than  they  at  firft  defigned  :  fo  that  it  commonly  hap- 
pens, fuch  obtain  a  more  reafonable  peace,  who  make  a 
brave  refiftance,  than  fuch  as  too  weakly  fubmit  to  impofi- 
tions. 

But,  to  the  end  I  may  not  dwell  too  long  upon  this  fub- 
jea,  I  will  nov/  ufe  the  fimpleft  arguments.     If  there  was 
no  inftance  that  the  unfortunate  had  ever  recovered  them- 
felves,  or  got  the  better  of  their  enemies,  I  fhould  not  en- 
courage  you  to  hope  for  what  had  never  happened  ;  but  if 
it  has  often  fallen  out,  that  the  ftronger  has  been  conquered 
by  the  weaker,  and  the  befiegers  been  deftroyed  by  the  be- 
fieged,  why  (hould  not  our  prcfent  circumftances  admit  a 
change  ?     I  have  indeed  no  examples  to  produce  of  this 
kmd  m  our  city;  for,  in  former  times,  none  ever  made  an 
incurfion  into  this  territory,  who  were  powerfuller  than 
we.     In  regard  of  other  cities,  many  examples  may  be 
drawn  from  them,  and  efpecially  from  the  city  of  Athens  j 

for 


p 


i/tfr 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       137 

for  we  fhall  find,  that,  after  they  afTumed  authority  over 
others,  they  were  obnoxious  to  the  cenfure  of  the  reft  of 
Greece ;  but  that  whenever  they  puniflied  oppreflive  ag- 
greflbrs,  they  were  ever  applauded  by  all  men.     Should  I 
mention  here  the  antient  hazards  they  have  run  againft  the 
Amazons,  the  Thracians,  and  Peloponnefians,  who,  with 
Euryftheus,  made  an  incurfion  into  their  country,  I  fhould 
not  unjuftly,  perhaps,  be  thought  to  fpeakof  tranfa6lions 
that  are  at  an  immoderate  diftance  of  time.     But  who  is  ig- 
norant out  of  what  calamities  they  recovered  themfelves  in 
the  Perfian  war,  and  to  what  a  height  of  glory  they  ar- 
rived ?  for  they  alone,  of  all  who  inhabit  out  of  Pelopon- 
nefus,  obferving  the  power  of  the  Barbarians  like  an  irre- 
fiftible  torrent,  did  not  think  they  ought  once  to  reafon 
about  any  commands ;  but  they  immediately  refolved  to  de- 
fert  their  city,  rather  than  fee  it  enflaved.     Thus  they  left 
their  own  foil,  judging  liberty  their  better  country;  and 
fharing  with  us  the  common  danger,  they  met  with  fuch  a 
happy  change  of  affairs,  that,  having  been  but  a  few  days 
deprived  of  their  city,  they  were,  for  a  long  time,  lords  of 
others.     Nor  can  we  only  bring  proofs  from  this  city,  that 
courage  againft  an  enemy  is  falutary ;  but  even  the  tyrant 
Dionyfius  may  prove  it,  who  being  blocked  up  by  the  Car- 
thaginians, nor  having  any  hope  of  fafety,  but  furrounded 
by  war,  and  hated  by  his  citizens,  had  thoughts  of  efcap- 
ing  by  his  fhipping :  in  this  circumftance,  one  of  his  boldefl 
friends  faid  to  him,  that  royalty  was  a  glorious  grave.     Of 
which  advice  and  reproach  he  was  fo  fenfible,  that,  refolv- 
ing  on  the  continuance  of  war,  he  flew  many  thoufands  of 
the  Carthaginians,  made  himfelf  more  abfolute  mafter  of 
his  citizens,  encreafed  greatly  his  former  power,  finifhed 
his  life  as  king,  and  left  his  fon  in  the  fame  honour  and 
authority  he  had  lived  himfelf.     Amyntas,  the  king  of  Ma- 
cedonia, had  alfo  a  like  fuccefs  in  his  enterprizes;  for  being 
worfted  by  the  neighbouring  Barbarians  in  battle,  and  de- 
prived of  Macedonia,  he  at  firft  thought  of  quitting  the 
country,  and  faving  his  own  life;  but  hearing  a  perfon 

praife 


138        The     ORATIONS 

praife  what  had  been  Taid  to  Dionyfius,  and  ch^inging,  like 
him,  his  fentiment,  after  he  had  feized  a  fmall  forufied 
place,  and  fent  round  for  fuccours,  in  lefs  than  three  months 
he  recovered  all  Macedonia;  and  reigning  afterwards  a 
long  time,  he  finiihed  his  life  by  the  neceffity  of  old  age. 
I  fhould  weary  youj  if  I  examined  into  the  variety  of  aa- 
tient  hiftory  of  this  kind  ;  nay,  if  we  refle£l:  upon  what 
has  happened  in  the  Theban  war,  though  we  grieve  for 
fome  events,  yet  we  may  even  thence  conceive  better  hopes 
for  the  future  :  for,  after  they  dared  to  meet  us  in  our  in- 
ciirfions,  nor  dreaded  our  threats,  their  affairs  took  fuch  a 
profperous  turn,  that,  tho'  they  formerly  were  fubjedl  to  us, 
they  now  think  it  juil  to  rule  over  us.     Whoevei;  confiders 
fuch  changes  of  fortune,  muft  be  very  void  of  reafon,  if  he 
thinks  fortune  will  only  fhew  herfelf  conftant  in  our  cala- 
mities.    We  ought  therefore,  I  fay,  to  take  courage,  have 
good  hope  in  regard  of  futurity,  knowing  that  fuch  misfor- 
tunes are  redrelTed  by  good  policy,  and  experience  in  war. 
As  for  the  fcience  of  war,  I  believe  no  one  will  difpute  our 
precedency  in  that ;  and  as  for  our  government,  I  think,  it 
wiD  be  allowed  by  all  the  perfedteft.     This,  methinks,  is 
fuiHcient  proof,  that  it  cannot  be  but  that  we  mufl  have  bet- 
ter fuccefs  than  fuch  as  never  made  great  account  of  thefe 

advantao-es. 

But  many  have  an  abhorrence  of  war^  and  mention,  on 
this  occafion,  its  viciifitudes  ;  ufmg,  for  examples,  the  ca- 
lamities which  have  befallen  us  ;  and  they  wonder,  if  any 
will  rely  upon  what  is  fo  inconftant  in  its  nature.  I  have 
known  many  to  have  gained  great  happinefs  by  war,  and 
others  to  have  been  deprived  of  the  pofleflion  by  peace ; 
ior  nothing  is  abfolutely  good  or  evil ;  but  juft  as  men  ufe 
things  and  opportunities,  there  is  a  neceflity  that  events 
{hould  be  anfwerable.  It  becomes,  indeed,  the  profperous  to 
defire  peace ;  for,  by  that  means,  they  probably  may  enjoy 
longer  a  prefent  happinefs ;  but  the  unfortunate  fliould  turn 
their  thoughts  to  war  :  by  ftruggle,  adlivity,  and  refolution, 
they  may  moft  eafily  obtain  a  happy  change  in  their  cir- 

cumftanccs. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        139 

cumflances.     But  I  am  afraid,  left  we  appear  a6llng  other- 
wife  :  when  we  had  it  in  our  power  to  enjoy  our  pleafures, 
we  often  were  too  rnuch  inclined  to  war;  but  fince  we  arc 
fallen  under  a  neceflity  of  facing  dangers,  we  defire  quiet, 
and  confult  coldly  about  our  fafety.  It  concerns  thofe,who 
Jove  liberty,  to  avoid  fuch  agreements  as  are  impofed,  as 
having  a  near  relation  with  fervitude ;  and  then  make  a 
treaty,  when  they  are  either  fuperior  to  their  enemies,  or  at 
leaft  equal  to  them  in  power  :  for  all  men  have  juft  fuch  a 
peace,  as  they  make  a  conclufion  of  a  war.     Wherefore 
being  perfuaded  of  this,  we  (hould  not  haftily  make  a  com- 
pofition,  that  will  be  attended  with  infamy,  nor  feem  to 
have  lefs  courageous  fentiments  for  our  own  city's  glory 
and  fafety,  than  we  have  had  for  the  good  of  others.  You 
certainly  remember,  that,  in  former  times,  if  only  one 
Lacedaemonian  aiTjfted  any  of  our  allied  cities,  all  adjudged 
the  fafety  of  that  city  to  him.     The  greateft  number  of 
fuch  mens  names  any  one  may  hear  from  our  oldeft  citi- 
zens ;  but  I  can  number  up  the  moft  famous  :  Piedaretus 
going  in  a  {hip  to  Chios,  delivered  the  city;  Brafidas  entered 
Amphipolis,  and  drawing  up  a  few  troops  of  the  beficged, 
he  defeated,  at  their  head,  numerous  troops  of  the  enemy ; 
Gylippus  affifting  the  Syracufians,  not  only  preferved  them] 
but^  made  thofe  forces,  by  fea  and  land,  which  had  been  fu- 
perior to  them,  all  prifoners.    And  what  a  fhame  is  it,  that  * 
your  anceftors,  fmgly,  fhould  formerly  have  been  capable  of 
defending  other  cities,  and  all  of  us  together  not  attempt 
now  to  fave  our  own  ?  that  they  fhould  fill,  I  fay,  both 
Afia  and  Europe  with  their  trophies,  in  the  defence  of 
others,  and  we  now  have  fought  no  memorable  battle,  to 
repel  fuch  open  infults  of  our  country  ?  that  other  cities 
fhould  have  fuffered  the  fharpeft  fieges  for  our  government, 
and  we  not  fuffer  the  leaft  diftrefs,  to  avoid  the  compulfion 
©f  bearing  the  moftmanifeft  injuftice?  In  fine,  though  we 
ftill  nourlfli  horfes  for  pomp  and  pleafure,  that  we  fhould 
turn  all  our  thoughts  to  a  difhonourable  peace,  as  if  we 
wanted  the  daily  neceflaries  of  life  ?  But  the  moft  infamous 

circumr 


\    4 


I40       The    ORATIONS 

circumftance  of  all  is,  that  we,  who  were  thought  the  moft 
patient  of  hardfhips  of  all  the  Grecians,  fhould  a6l  in  this 
eiFeminate  manner.  Why  need  I  make  further  mention  of 
the  threats  of  fuch  neighbours  ?  we  only  once  have  been 
worrted,  and  yet  have  hitherto  cowardly  fubmitted  to  every 
peremptory  order  of  our  enemies  ;  for  how  fhould  fuch  in 
adverfity  bear  up  long  againft  it^  Yet,  who  will  not 
blame  us,  if,  tho'  the  Meflenians  fufFered  a  fiege  of  twenty 
years,  we  fhould,  by  a  treaty.  To  eafily  quit  it,  nor  once 
reflect  upon  our  anceftors  glory  j  but  abandon,  for  words, 
what  they  acquired  with  fuch  labours  and  difficulty? 
This  fome  are  fo  far  from  regarding,  that,  defpifmg  all 
ihame,  they  counfel  fuch  acflions  as  muft  oveiAvhelm  their 
country  with  indelible  infamy  ;  and  they  fo  eagerly  advife 
us  to  give  up  Meflena,  that,  on  this  occafion,  they  dare  to 
mention  our  weaknefs,  and  the  power  of  the  enemy ;  and 
challenge  thofe,  who  oppofe  them,  to  tell  from  what  fide 
we  may  expert  fuch  auxiliaries,  that  we  dare  to  exhort  you 
to  the  protraction  of  the  war.  But,  I  think,  the  greateft 
and  furefl  alliance  is,  to  adl  juftly  ;  for  the  gods  will 
favour  fuch,  if  we  may  conjedure  by  the  paft  of  fu- 
turity. Add  to  this,  that,  by  refolution,  a  wifer  ceco- 
nomy  of. government,  and  a  determination  of  dying  for 
our  country,  we  fhall  recover  our  courage  and  vigour : 
and,  laftly,  we  fhall  regain  an  honeft  fhame  of  public 
difgrace,  which  certainly  concerns  us  more  than  other 
men.  In  this  circumftance  of  public  bravery,  I  would 
certainly  rather  fight  along  with  Lacedaemonians,  than  af- 
fifted  by  an  innumerable  multitude  ;  for  I  know,  that  our 
anceftors  maftered  this  country,  not  by  being  fuperior  in 
number  to  others,  but  in  thofe  virtues  which  I  have 
above  mentioned.  Wherefore  we  ought  not  to  fear  the 
enemy  for  their  numbers,  but  rather  conceive  good  hopes, 
if  we  more  manfully  bear  our  misfortunes  than  all  others, 
and  continue  ftedfaft  and  refolute  in  our  city's  laws  and 
cuftoms  from  its  beginning.  You  fee  them  incapable  of 
bearing  profperity  ;  nay,  fo  far  from  it,  that  they  are  full 

I  of 


i 


•  — ,' 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         1,41 

of  diforder.  You  may  fee  fome  of  them,  with  their  allies, 
deftroying  cities ;  fome  of  them  refifting  fuch  barbarity  ; 
fome  of  them  ftruggling  with  their  neighbours  about  fron- 
tiers, rather  than  fight  againft  us.  Now,  what  greater  en- 
couragement can  thefe  m^n  expe£t,  than  the  mifmanage- 
ment  of  our  enemies.  This  certainly  ought  to  be  an  en- 
couragement to  us ;  this  will  greatly  affift  us.  But  if  it  is 
necefTary  to  fpeak  about  foreign  aid,  I  think  many  will  be 
ready  to  give  their  beft  affiftance.  Firft,  the  Athenilns, 
tho'  they  are  not  our  abfolute  friends,  yet  will  do  their  ut- 
moft  in  our  caufe  for  their  own  fafety :  I  doubt  not  alfo,  but 
that  feveral  other  cities  will  confult  our  prefent  good  like 
their  own.  Befides,  Dionyfius  the  Sicilian  monarch,  the 
Egyptian,  and  all  the  Afiatic  powers,  as  far  as  in  them  lies, 
will  readily  affift  us  in  this  condition,  if  we  behave  bravely. 
Laftly,  the  richeft  of  the  Greeks,  the  higheft  in  honour, 
and  fuch  as  have  the  moft  exalted,  noble  ideas,  tho'  they 
have  not  hitherto  fhewed  themfelves,  are  our  allies  already 
by  benevolence.  With  all  thefe  advantages,  ought  we  not 
to  hope  well  in  regard  of  our  future  fuccefs  in  ?  I  alfo 
think,  all  the  Peloponnefians,  and  even  thofe  who  were  not 
before, will  now  be  our  zealous  friends  j  for  they  havegained 
none  of  thofe  advantages  from  their  defection  from  us, 
which  they  expedted  ;  but,  inftead  of  liberty,  the  contrary 
has  befallen  them:  for,  having  loft  the  beft  of  their  citizens, 
they  are  fubjedt  to  the  worft  ^  and,  inftead  of  living  free  by 
their  laws,  they  are  now  piunged  into  a  moft  dreadful 
anarchy:  and  having  been  accuftomed  to  attack,  along 
wth  us,  other  powers,  they  now  fee  foreign  powers  invade 
themfelves ;  thofe  popular  diffenfions,  which  they  formerly 
only  heard  of  amongft  others,  they  now  daily  experience 
themfelves :  and  add  to  this,  that  they  are  fo  overwhelmed 
by  miferies,  that  they  cannot  diftinguifh  who  is  moft  cala- 
mitous amongft  them.  Nor  is  there  -any  of  thofe  cities 
in  fuch  a  flourifhing  ftate,  which  has  not  neighbours  who 
will  moleft  them  ;  fo  that  their  territories  have  been  plun- 
dered, cities  erafed,  private  families  ruined,  all  politic  go- 
vernment 


.* 


142        The    ORATIONS 

vemment  overthrown,  and  thofe  laws  diflblved,  which 
while  they  lived  by,  they  were  the  moft  happy  of  the  Gre- 
cians t  in  fhort,  they  are  reduced  to  that  mifer)'  of  diffi- 
dence amongft  themfelves,  that  they  more  hate  their  fel- 
low-citizens than  their  declared  enemies.  Inftead  of  that 
affluence  which  they  enjoyed  under  us  With  protetSlion  and 
benevolence,  they  are  involved  in  fuch  colifufion,  that  thofe 
who  have  fubftance  amongft  them,  would  rather  caft  their 
riches  into  the  fea,  than  impart  them  to  the  needy ;  and 
thofe  who  are  in  lower  circumftances,  would,  fooner  tharl 
acquire  riches  honeftly,  wreft  them  from  the  prefent  pof- 
feflbrs ;  nay,  negle£ling  common  facrifices,  they  afiaflinate 
one  another  at  the  altar ;  and  more  now,  from  one  city, 
go  into  banifhment  than  there  formerly  did  from  all  Pelo- 
ponnefus.  Tho'  I  have  mentioned  fuch  a  number  of  ca- 
lamities, yet  thofe,  which  I  have  omitted,  far  exceed  the 
catalogue ;  for  there  is  nothing  of  mifery  and  diftrefs, 
which  they  have  not  fufFered.  Some  are  already  wearied, 
others  fhortly  will  be  fo,  and  feek  out  (bme  redrefs  of  fuch 
a  deplorable  condition.  Never  think  they  will  be  contented 
with  their  {battered,  oppreflive  governments  j  for  how 
fhould  thofejwho  defponded  in  profperity,  in  adverfity  have 
conftancy  and  patience  ?  So  that  we  not  only  may  attain 
vidory  by  fighting,  but,  if  we  continue  quiet,  we  fhall 
fee  them  changed,  and  thinking  our  fafety  their  beft  pro- 
tedlion :  fo  wide,  fo  juft  a  field  have  we  of  good  hopes. 

But  I  am  fo  far  from  inclining  to  obey  the  Thebans 
commands,  that,  (hould  nothing  of  what  I  have  faid  hap- 
pen, fhould  we  meet  with  no  afTiftance  from  any  fide,  but 
fome  of  the  Greeks  would  do  us  injuftice,  others  neglect 
us,  I  would  not  even  alter  my  mind,  or  repent  of  my 
counfel  y  but  would  face  all  the  dangers  of  war,  rather  than 
make  fuch  a  Ihameful  treaty  :  for  I  fhould  be  afhamed,  in 
both  cafes,  if  v(e  either  feemed  to  condemn  our  anceftors  of 
jnjufHce,  as  if  they  had  not  equitably  pofTefTed  themfelves 
of  MefTena ;  or,  if  this  be  allowed  by  all,  that  we  (hould 
weakly  grant  oui  adverfaries  any  thing,  in  this  refpe<Sl,  out  of 

cowardice 


>- 


/ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       143 

covC^araice  and  daftardlinefs.  But  let  us  do  neither  of  thefe 
unworthy  actions  :  let  us  rather  confider,  how  we  may  run 
the  hazard  of  war  worthy  of  ourfelves ;  nor  ever  make 
thofe,  who  have  written  panegyrics  on  our  city,  feem  to 
have  done  it  with  flattery  ;  nay,  rather  let  us  a6t  fo,  that 
all  their  praifes  may  fall  fhort  of  our  real  valour.  I  cannot 
believe  any  thing  of  a  more  calamitous  natui-e  can  befall 
us,  than  what  we  now  fufFer ;  and  our  enemies  will  reafon 
and  a£l  in  fuch  a  manner,  a^  will  give  us  an  opportunity  of 
recovering  our  condition  :  but  fhould  we  be  deceived  in 
our  hopes,  be  diftrefTed  on  all  fides,  and  notable  to  de- 
fend our  own  city,  I  own  it  is  harfh  what  I  arti  going  to 
fay ;  but  I  will  not  fpare  your  fears,  or  a6t  unworthily  of 
my  own  freedom  :  I  fhall,  by  fo  doing,  fpeak  what  is  more 
proper  for  all  the  Grecians  to  hear,  and  fuitable  to  our 
chara£lers,  than  what  fome  others  advife  you  to.  I  fay  then, 
we  ought  to  fend  our  parents,  our  children,  our  wives,  and 
the  lefs  ufeful  citizens,  to  Sicily  or  Italy,  fome  to  Cyrene, 
and  fome  to  the  continent ;  thefe  places  will  receive 
them  willingly,  furnifh  them  with  lands,  and  all  other  ne- 
ceifaries ;  part  of  them  out  of  gratitude,  for  the  good  they 
have  received  from  us,  and  others  in  expedlation  of  reward 
for  their  having  firft  obliged  us.  I  w<'uld  have  us,  therefore, 
who  are  willing  to  ftay  behind,  and  are  proper  for  the  fa- 
tigues of  war,  to  quit  the  city,  and  all  thofe  other  poflef- 
fions  which  we  cannot  carry  of^*;  and,  after  we  have  feized 
upon  a  place  the  beft  fortified,  and  capable  of  maintaining 
a  defence,  to  fpoil  and  rob  our  enemies  both  on  fea  and 
jj^and,  until  they  defift  from  difputing  with  us  our  rights. 
If  we  have  courage  to  dare  this,  you  will  fee  thofe,  who 
pretend  to  command  us  now,  defcending  to  entreaties,  de- 
firing  us  to'  accept  of  MefTena,  and  conclude  a  peace.  For 
what  city  in  the  Peloponnefus  can  fupport  fo  dreadful  a 
war  as  will  be  kindled,  if  you  are  refolute  and  coura- 
geous ?  Who,  I  fay,  will  not  be  afraid  and  terrified,  to 
meet  fuch  an  army  united,  which  has  done  fuch  wonder- 
ful things,  is  enflamed  juftly  againft  the  authors  of  our  pre- 
fent 


144       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

fent  calamities,  make  no  account  of ^ their  own  lives,  and, 
omitting  all  other  employment,  attend  only  to  war,  and 
watch  the  opportunities  of  a  juft  revenge.  Add  this,  fo 
diftinguifhed  by  courage  and  military  difcipline,  that  no 
nation  on  earth  can  compare  with  them.  Laftly,  who 
will  not  be  confined  to  one  city,  but  who  will  be  accuf- 
tomed  to  live  in  tents,  to  march  every-where  at  full  free- 
dom, and  become  neighbours  to  whom  they  pleafe  j  nay, 
think  every  place  their  home,  which  is  proper  for  carrying 
on  the  war.  I  judge,  if  this  report  was  only  once  fpread  over 
Greece,  our  enemies  would  be  in  great  apprehenfion ;  and 
more  fo,  if  we  fhould  at  laft  be  forced  to  put  this  counfel 
in  execution  :  for  what  will  be  their  condition,  do  you 
think,  when  they  will  fufFer,  and  not  be  in  a  capacity  to 
retaliate  ?  In  fine,  when  they  will  fee  their  own  cities 
befieged,  and  ours  no  longer  fubjedt  to  that  calamity  ? 
when  they  will  perceive  our  fubfiftence,  both  from  our 
prefent  ftores,  and  the  d^ly  acquifitions  of  war,  while 
their  own  will  be  clogged  with  many  difficulties ;  becaufe 
there  is  a  great  difference  betwixt  maintaining  fuch  a  brave 
refolute  army  in  open  field,  and  a  numerous  populace  at 
home.  What  ftill  will  mod  grievoufly  aiflid  them  is,  if 
they  perceive  our  fervants  are  diftinguiftied  by  their  dex- 
terity and  plenty,  while  their  own  are  deprived  of  daily  ne- 
ceflaries,  nor  in  a  power  of  remedying  their  condition  j 
but  tho'  they  till  their  lands,  lofc  the  harvefts,  and,  fhould 
they  negledl,  be  continually  wafted  with  famine. 

But  it  may  be  objeded,  that,  gathering  their  joint 
forces,  and  making  a  common  army,  they  will  purfue  us, 
and  prevent  our  defigns.  Now,  what  can  we  defire  more^ 
than  to  fee  them  approach  us,  to  labour  under  the  fame  pa- 
tience of  war  with  ourfelves,  a  body  of  men  that  will  be 
diforderly  and  ill-difciplined,  and  under  the  command  of 
different  generals  :  we  fhould,  in  this  cafe,  avoid  a  great 
deal  of  trouble,  and  might  force  them  to  fight  us  upon  our 
own  conditions,  and  not  at  their  option. 

The 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        145 

Tue  remainder  of  my  tim^  would  be  all  fpent,  if  I  en* 
Oeavoured  at  large  to  explain  all  our  advantages:  however^, 
this  is  evident  to  all,  that  we  have  not  been  diflinguifhed 
from  other  Grecians  by  the  extent  of  our  city,  nor  the  num^. 
ber  of  citizens ;  but  by  our  government,  which  v\fas  mo- 
delled like  a  well-difciplined  army,  that  is  obedient  to  the 
commanders.    Now,  if  we  reduce  to  real  pradice  what  we 
have  hitherto  emulated  and  had  in  view,  I  do  not  doubt, 
but  we  fhall  overcome  our  adverfaries.  We  likewife  know[ 
that  the  antient  poffeffors  of  this  city  entered  Peloponnefus 
with  few  troops,  and  performed  by  them  glorious  aaioias, 
and  dow^ATight  wonders.     It  certainly  is  noble  to  imitate 
our  anceflors  to  recover  our  power  and  government,  fince 
we  have  met  lately  with  difaflcrs,  and  endeavour  to  re. 
afcend  in  glory  as  high  as  ever.     But  the  greateft  difgrace 
of  all  will  be,  if,  being  confcious  how  the  Athenians  aban- 
doned  their  city  for  the  common  caufe  of  liberty,  we  dare 
not  quit  ours,  tho'  it  be  for  the  fafety  pf  oyr.  very  lives  and 
fortunes,  with  whatever  Is  dear  and  valuable  to  us.     Me-' 
thinks,  we  ought  rather  to  fet  an  example  of  this  kind  to, 
others,  than  imitate  their  adions.     Add,  that  it  will  de- 
ferve  mofl  farcaflic  reproach,  if  the  Phocenfes,  on  the  great' 
kmg's  invading  their  territories,  abandoned  Afia,  and  be-' 
took  themfelves  to  Maifilia,  and  we  fhew  fuch  pufillanimity 
that  we  Will  bear  their  diclatorfhip,  whom  we  were  accuf 
tome^  to  govern  and  prefcribe  to.     We  ought  not  now  to 
pamt,  in  pur  imagination,  that  day  when  we  mufl  be  fepa- 
rated  from  our  dcareft  friends  and  relations,  but  fixou;  eye 
upon  thofe  times  when  we  fhall  have  conquered  our  ene- 
mies,  reflor^d  our  city  to  its  fplendor,  and  receive  again  our 
fellow-citizens ;  when  we  fhall  have  fhewn  to  all,  that  we 
Were  undefervedly  unfortunate,  and  were,  in  former  times, 
fupenor  in  dignity  to  others.     But  I  have  not  fpoken  this, 
that  I  think  we  fhould  immediately  put  my  advice  in  prac^ 
tice,  or  that  there  is  no  poffibilityof  fafety  without  it:  no, 
it  is  to  prepare  your  minds,  and  perfuade  you,   that  fuch' 
^d  greater  diflreffes,  ought  to  be  undergone  by  us,  rather 

'^  than 


h6       The    orations 

than  fubmit  to  our  enemies  difhonourable  conditions,  and 
give  up  tamely  Meflena. 

Yet  I  would  not  fo  earneftly  exhort  you  to  war,  if  1  did 
not  fee,  that,  by  this  method,  you  will  have  a  firm  and 
lafting  peace ;  but,  by  following  others  counfel,  an  infa- 
mous  one,  and  fuch  as  will  foon  be  diflblved:  for  if  w* 
are  to  be  neighbours  to  this  city  after  it  is  encreafed,  who 
is  fo  ignorant  as  not  to  percdve  we  muft  pafs  our  whole 
lives  in  tumults  and  dangers  ?  Wherefore  thefe  warmcoun- 
fellors  of  peace  perceive  not,  that,  for  a  fhort  time's  refpite, 
they  will  engage  us  in  a  perpetual  war  and  confufion.  I 
would  wiUingly  afk  of  them,  for  what  objeas  they  them- 
felves  think  we  fhould  refolve  to  conquer,  or  to  die  ? 
Should  it  not  be,  when  our  enemies  would  impofe  unjuft 
commands  on  us,  take  away  a  part  of  our  territory,  free 
our  Haves,  and  introduce  them  into  thofe  lands  which  our 
anceftors  had  left  us,  and  not  only  deprive  us  of  our  juft 
poffeiTions,  but  would  plunge  us  in  the  loweft  difgrace  and 
infamy  ?  Now,  I  think,  to  avoid  this,  you  ought  not  only 
to  undergo  a  war,  but,  was  it  neceflary,  banifbment  or  death 
itfdf ;  for  it  is  better  to  did  furiDunded  with  glory,  than  to 
live  difgraced,  and  humbly  accepting  others  commands. 
Finally,  if  I  muft  clearly  fpeak  my  whole  foul,  it  is  better 
our  city  (hould  be  erafed,  than  we  inhabit  it  with  the  name 
of  flaves  and  cowards ;  for  it  becomes  thofe,  who  have  been 
die  firft  in  glory  amongft  die  Greeks,  that  they  {hould  chufe 
one  cf  thefe  two  objeds,  either  to  lead  the  reft  in  Greece, 
or  not  to  be  at  all,  lying  down,  after  all  their  toils,  in  the 
bed  of  honour  and  immortal  fame.  Having  thefe  heroic 
ideas  conftantly  in  view,  we  ought  not  fondly  to  love  life, 
or  tamely  obey  their  didates,  whom  we  ufed  to  command  ; 
but  employ  our  thoughts  about  what  moft  becomes  the  glory 
of  our  country,  and  not  others  advantages.  All  men  fhould 
not  reafon  in  the  fame  manner,  but  make  the  memory  of 
their  former  a£lions  the  foundation  of  their  refolutions.  None 
will  ever  blame  the  Epidaurians,  the  Phliafians,  or  the  Co- 
rfeithians,  if  they  confuh  nothing  but  their  own  eafe  and 

fccurity ; 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         147 

fecurity:  but  the  Lacedaemonians  will  not  be  pardoned  by 
pofterity,  if  thty  feek  their  fafety  by  every  method  of  a- 
voiding  war.     If  we  cannot  fave  ourielves  with  honour,  we 
had  certainly  far  better  to  nobly  perifh.     They,  who  i^Iory 
in  courage  and  virtue,  fhould  endeavour  at  nothing  more 
than  ading  worthily  of  their  charader.     Degenerate  coun- 
fels  fhew  the  depravity  of  a  city,  as  much  as  fear  in  battle- 
decTares  cowardice  :  nay,  what  happens  in  battle,  is  often 
the  caprice  of  fortune,  but,  in  2  fenate,  each  determina- 
tion  is  an  index  of  the  mind ;  fo  that  you  here  fhould  take 
as  great  care  of  what  is  decreed  in  this  afTembly,  concern^ 
ing  peace,  as  of  what  may  happen  from  war.     I  wonder  at 
thofe  men,   who  are  willing  to  die  for  a  private  property, 
and  are  not  difpofed  to  do  fo  for  the  public  good,  for  which 
a  brave  and  good  man  would  dare  any  danger,  nor  difgrace 
his  city,  or  negled  it,  when  it  is  ready  to  quit  the  high 
rank  in  which  his  anceftors  had  left  it.     But  let  whatever 
difficulties  and  dangers  furround  us,  we  ought  to  take  care, 
that  we  do  nothing  unmanly,  nor  allow  our  enemies  an 
unjuft  precedence  over  us.     It  is,  certainly,  one  of  the  lafl 
difgraces,  that  thofe,  who  have  been  at  the  head  of  Greece, 
fhould  ever  be  known  to  obey  others  commands,  and  to  be 
fo  inferior  to  their  anceftors,  that  tho'  they  dared  to  die 
that  they  might  command  others,  not  dare  to  do  fo  much 
themfelves  to  avoid  flavery.     We  ought  likewife  to  revere 
the  Olympic  and  other  general  afTemblies,  in  which  our 
countrymen  have  been  more  intrepid,  and  deferving  ^ffmi- 
ration,  than  any  others  that  have   gained   prizes.     Into 
which  of  them,  do  you  imagine,  they  wilj  dare  to  come, 
defpifed  inftead  of  honoured,  admired  before  for  valour* 
and  now  contemned  by  all  for  cowardice  ?    Add  to  this* 
feeing  their  fervants  bringing  greater  facrifices  and  prefents 
than  they,  from  thofe  lands  which  their  anceftors  had  left 
them,  and  hearing  from  them  fuch  bafe  reproaches,  as  is 
probable,  from  men  who  were  once  in  fuch  a  fervile  condi- 
tion,  and  now  upon  equal  terms  with  their  mafters.  Thefe 
•ndignities  we  muft  fuftbr,  which  no  words  can  propefJy 

L  2  cxprefs. 


148       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

exprefs.     W^e  fhould  now  coniiilt  about  this,  and  not  ih.en 
vainly  grieve  when  it  is  too  late.     Let  us  now  j  rovidc  a- 
o-ainft  fuch  an  event.     It  is   a  great  infamy,  not  to  have 
formerly  fullered  even  free  pcrfon.s  to  ufc  an  equality  of 
flile,  but  now  fuftcr  the  audacious  langiiage  of  our  very 
ilavcs.     We  (hall   feem,  in  foregoing  time,  to  have  been 
vain  boafters,  but,  in  facl,  no  braver  than  others ;  and  to 
have   made  our  advantage  of  a  fl^itious,  and  not  a  real 
grandeur  and  gravity.     Let  us.  therefore  give  na  handle  to 
thofc  who  are  wont  to  reproach  us,  but  endeavour  to  con- 
fute their  malice  by  actions  worthy  of  our  anceftors.     Re- 
member your  ancellors  conflicts  with  the  Arcadians,  who, 
tho*  few  in  number,  and  but  one  thick  in  rank,  conquered 
many  thoufands.     Remember  thofe  three  hundred,  who,  at 
Thyrex,  conquered  all  the  Argives  in  a  fet  battle.     Re- 
member thofe  thoufand  men,  who  met  the  common  enemy 
at  'I'hermopylae,  and,  joining  battle  with  eight  hundred 
thoufand  Perfians,  did  not  fly,  or  were  conquered,  but  loft 
their  lives  upon  the  fpot,  where  they  were  placed  by  their 
country's  orders ;  who  fo  bravely  behaved  themfelves,  that 
ihofe  orators,  who  are  accuftomed  to  write  panegyrics,  can- 
not equal  their  juil  praifes.     Remcmbring,  I  fay,  fuch  men, 
kt  us  boldly  enter  upon  the  war,  and  not  expe£l,  as  it  were, 
till  fome  others  (hould  apply  a  remedy  :  but  fmce  thefe  ca- 
lamities have  befallen  in  our  times,  let  us  endeavour  to  put 
an  end  to  them  ourfelves ;  for  it  becomes  the  brave  to  fhew 
themfelves,  in  an  extraordinary  manner,  on  fuch  occafions. 
Profperity  hides  bafenefs  even  in  cowards ;  but  adverfity 
manifeftly  declares  what  every  man  is.     In  this  circum^ 
llance,  we  ought  to  evidence  to  all,  that  we  have  been 
better  educated  and  inftruded  than  others.     We  ought  not 
to  defpair,  but  that  fome  good  may  follow  from  our  pre- 
Knt  condition  ;  for,  I  judge,  all  of  you  know  very  weil,' 
that  many  things  of  a  like  nature  have  happened  to  others, 
which  all  at  firll  looked  upon  as  calamities,  and  condoled 
with  them,  but  perceived  afterwards,  that  thefe  reverfes  of 
fortune  proved  the  fuurces  of  the  greateft  happinefs.     But> 

why 


I* 

9 
I 


If 


I 


il.,- 


if*-*. 
7'r. 


-•*    1'. 


r". 


oF    1  S  0  C  R  A  T  E  S.       149 

"Why  need  I  mention  dlfl:ant  examples  ?  We  fhall  And  even 
the  chief  cities,  I  mean  Athens  and  Thebes,  never  to  have 
flourifhed  and  encreafed  much  in  time  of  peace,  but  from 
thofe  misfortunes  which  they  fuffered  in  war,  and  reco-  * 
vered  themfelves  from.  By  this  means,  one  gained  the 
lead  in  Greece,  and  the  other  is  now  fo  aggrandized,  as 
no  one  once  thought  it  ever  would  be  ;  for  glory  and  dif- 
tincSHon  arifes  not  from  quiet,  but  from  adioji  and  peril* 
which  you  ought  to  emulate,  and  neither  fpare  your  bo- 
dies, your  livesj  or  any  other  pofleflTion ;  for  if  we  can  re- 
cover ourfelves,  -and  reflore  our  city  to  its  firft  ftate,  from 
which  it  is  fallen,  we  fhall  even  be  extolled  beyond  our 
anceftors,  and  leave  no  addition  to  our  glory ;  but  even 
make  thofe,  who  are  willing,  doubtful  how  they  fhall  praife 
us  worthily.  You  likewife  fhould  not  be  ignorant  of  this, 
that  all  will  have  their  thoughts  intent  upon  the  determina- 
tions of  this  aflTembly.  Let  every  one  therefore  be  afliired, 
that,  as  if  he  were  in  an  univerfal  affembly,  he  will  have 
the  eyes  of  all  Greece  upon  him.  Now^  it  will  be  eafy  to 
confult  as  we  ought :  if  we  take  the  refolution  of  dying  in 
^our  own  juft  caufe,  we  fhall  not  only  gain  Jafling  glory, 
but  we  fhall  live  ever  after  in  eafe  and  fafcty;  but,  if  w^e 
fear  danger,  we  fhall  involve  ourfelves  in  irretrievable  con- 
fufion.  Wherefore,  exhorting  one  another,  let  us  requite 
our  country  for  our  education,  nor  be  indifferent  in  her 
difgrace  and  injuries,  nor  difappoint  the  hopes  of  our  weU- 
wifhers.  Let  us  not  fo  highly,  I  fay,  efleem  life,  as  to 
betray  that  glory,  for  which  we  have  been  fo  juflly  cele- 
brated ;  but  believe  it  truly  noble,  and  more  worthy  of 
ourfelves,  to  purchafe,  at  the  expence  of  a  mortal  body, 
immortal  fame,  and  acquire,  by  the  quitting  of  life,  that 
honour  and  reputation,  which  will  be  tranfmitted  down  to 
our  latefl  poflerity.  It  is  better  to  purchafe  everlafling 
glory  in  this  manner,  than,  for  the  gain  of  a  fhort,  mo- 
mentary fpace  of  time,  plunge  ourfelves  into  perpetual  dif- 
grace and  infamy.  You  will,  methinks,  be  the  mofl  effi- 
cacioufly  roufed  up  to  this  war,  if  ygu  place,  as  it  were, 

L  3  before 


150       The    O  R  AT  I  O  N  S 

before  your  eyes,  both  your  anceftors  and  children ;  the 
former,  as  exhorting  you  not  to  difgrace  the  Spartan  name, 
nor  their  trophies  ;  and  the  latter,  requiring  of  you  thofe 
lands  their  forefathers  had  left,  as  well  as  that  authority  in 
Greece,  and  that  principality  which  was  your  inheritance  ; 
whom,  I  am  afraid,  we  can  give  no  juft  anfwer  to. 

I  KNOW,  long  difcourfes  are  always  fuperfluous ;  let  me 
but  add  this,  that  tho'  our  city  has  been  engaged  in  many 
wars  and  dangers,  yet  no  enemy  gained  an  advantage  over 
us,  while  your  armies  were  conduced  by  one  of  Hercules's 
family.  It  is  certainly  now  the  part  of  prudent  perfons  to 
liften  chiefly  to  thofe  in  counfel,  who  have  always  been  fuc- 
cefsful  in  the  management  of  their  country's  wars  and  con- 
tentions. 


V 


THE    SEVENTH 


ORATION 


o  r 


ISOCRATES. 


THE 


I 


I  M 


[  153  1 


The     SUBJECT. 

^T'HE  intend  of  this  oration  is  to  teach  national 
"^  decency  and  moderation.  He  advifes  the 
Athenia?is  to  a  prudent  change^  cr  new  77:odel  of 
go-vernment  y  a  thing /which  none  of  the  fiibhc 
orators  dared  to  meddle  with.  Ifocrates^  like  a 
wife  man^  faw^  that  regular  difcipline  a?td  obe- 
dience were  fo  lojl  in  a  corrupted  ft  ate  ^  that  there 
was  an  univerfal  contempt  of  magiftrates^  with 
an  unbounded  licence  and  audacity  in  the  popu-- 
lace  ;  in  port^  that  all  order  was  dijjhked :  he 
therefore  endeavours  to  perfuade  them  to  rcftore 
^  the  form  of  govern?nent  inftituted  by  SoloUy  their 
wife  legiftator ;  who  made  the  happinefs  of  the 
fate  to  conftft  in  the  praSlice  of  virtue  y  and  juft 
obedience  tofuperiors. 


THE    SEVENTH 


Oration  oFIsocrates. 


I  DOUBT  not  but  many  will  wonder,  what  can  be  my 
thoughts,  that  I  fliould  make,  in  this  convention,  my 
difcourfe  upon  the  topic  of  public  fafety ;  as  if  the  city 
was  in  danger,  or  its  circumflances  precarious,  the'  it  has 
at  prefent  no  lefs  in  pay  than  two  hundred  gallies :  add  to 
this,  that  it  has  peace  all  round,  and  keeps  the  titular  fove- 
rei^^ntyof  the  feas;  befidc*;,  has  many  allies,  fomc  of  them 
ready  to  aflift  us,  and  others,  in   greater  number,  paying 
taxes  and  obedient  on  command,     'f'his  being  fo,  fome, 
doubtlefs,  would  fav,  that  vou  ought  to  be  in  full  courage, 
as  if  all  danger  were  at  a  remote  diftance  ;  and  that  our 
enemies   ought   rather   to  fear,    and   confult  about  their 
fafetv.    I  know,  that  you,  reafoning  thus,  muft  defpifemy 
oration,  and  hope  all  Greece  may  be  fubjecSled   to  your 
arms:  but  I  am  appreheiifive,  for  thefe  very  reafons;  for  I 
perceive,  that  many  cities,  which  feem  the  moft  profperous, 
confult  moft  negligently  the  common  good,  and  thofe, 
•which  were  the  moft  elate,  to  have  fallen  into  the  greatefl 
dangers.     The  reafon  is,  that  unmixt  good  or  bad  is  not 
the  lot  of  human  nature;  but  imprudence  follows  clofe  up- 
on riches  and   power,  as  well   as  its  attendant,  luxury : 
whereas,  wifdom  and  moderation  are  the  companions  of 
want  and  poverty ;  fo  that  it  is  worthy  doubt,  which  of 
the  two  a  difcreet  man  would  wifli  to  leave  his  children : 
for  we  may  often  fee,  that,  from  what  might  appear  a  worfe 
ftate,  extraordinary  good  has  followed  ;  but  that,  from  pro- 
fperity,  as  it  might  feem,  human  affairs  arc  wont  to  dege- 
nerate 


154       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

nerate  Into  mifcry.     Examples  of  this  nature  may  be  co!- 
ledled  in  abundance  from  private  ftations  (for  changes  moft 
frequently  happen  in  them) ;  but  if  any  require  more  cele- 
brated proofs,  they  need  only  reflcvSt  upon  what  has  hap- 
pened to  us  and  the  Lacedaemonians  :  for  tho'  our  city  had 
been  evacuated  out  of  fear  of  the  Barbarians,  yet,  by  cau- 
tion, and   attending   to  affairs,   we  fet  ourfelves  at  the 
head  of  all  Greece  :  but  when  we  thought  we  were  ar- 
rived at  infuperable  power,  we  had  like  to  have  been  re- 
duced to  a  ftate  of  captivity.     As  for  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians,  tho',  at  flrft,  they  came  from  inconfiderable  and 
fmall  cities,  yet,  by  military  condudl  and  ftridt  tempe- 
rance, they  made  themfelves  abfolute  mafters  of  Pelopon- 
nefus :  after  this,  afTuming  a  greater  authority  than  be- 
came them,  and  ufurping  the  power  both  of  fea  and  land, 
they  fell  into  the  fame  calamities  with  us.  Whoever,  there- 
fore, is  confcious  of  fuch  changes,  and  that  fuch  confirmed 
powers  have  been  dilTolved,  yet  will  confide  in  our  prefent 
circumflances,  mufl  be  imprudent,  efpecially  fince  our  city 
is  not  in  a  fimilar  cafe  to  what  it  was  then  in  formerly :  be- 
fides,  the  hatred  of  the  Greeks,  as  well  as  the  Perfians,  is 
renewed  againft  us,  which  formerly  overthrew  our  profpe- 
rity. 

I  AM  Indeed  doubtful,  whether  I  fhould  think  that  you 
arc  follicitous  for  the  public  good,  or,  if  you  are  fo,  are 
^  ftruck  with  fuch  a  lethargy,  that  you  are  ignorant  into  what 
diforders  our  city  is  plunged.  We  have  lofl  all  the  cities  in 
Thrace,  fpent  above  a  thoufand  talents  upon  flrangers,  yet 
we  are  fufpedled  by  Greece,  and  become  enemies  to  the 
Perfian.  Add  to  this,  that  we  have  been  forced  to  fave  the 
Thebans  friends,  tho'  we  have  ruined  our  own  allies  ;  and, 
for  fuch  prcpofierous  conduct, we  have  twice  offered  thankf- 
glving  facrifices.  Even  ftill  we  confult  more  negligently 
about  our  affairs,  tbnn  thofe  who  are  fuccefsful  in  all  their 
undertakings :  now,  we  adi:  thus,  and  neceflarily  fuffer  ac^ 
cordingly  ;  for  it  cannot  be  expcded,  that  fuccefs  fhould  at- 
t^'^d  thofe,  who  confult  not  wifely  about  thefum  of  all  their 

admin  i- 


\^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       i^^ 

adminiflration :  but  tho*  they  prove  profperous  in  fome  ac- 
tions, either  by  accident,  or  fome  man's  diflinguifhed  vir- 
tue, upon  a  new  error,  they  foon  fall  into  the  fame  dif- 
treffes.     This  is  evident  by  what  has  befallen  us ;  for  tho' 
all  Greece  was  brought  under  our  power,  by  tlie  fea-fight 
when  Conon  was  admiral,  and  wife  management  of  our 
land-forces  under  Timotheus,  notwithflanding  we  could  not, 
for  any  time,preferve  fuch  profperity,  but  we  foon  lofl,  and, 
as  it  were,  fquandered  away  fuch  happinefs  5  for  we  have 
not  fuch  a  wife  government,  as  to  ufe  events  to  advantage, 
nor  do  we  defire  to  live  under  fuch  a  one.     Now,  we  all 
know,  that  profperity  is  not  fecured  by  flrong  fortifica- 
tions, or  the  greatefl  crouds  of  men  affembled  together,  buA 
by  magiflrates  and  obedient  fubjeds,  who  make  the  flate?  ' 
flourifh  by  the  prudenteft  oeconomy.     The  very  foul  of  a 
city  is  nothing  elfe  but  a  policy  having  the  fame  efficacy  iru 
the  public,  as  prudence  has  in  the  body ;  for  it  is  prudence)) 
which  confults  about,  and  diredls  all,  which  preferves  hap-V 
pinefs,  and  avoids  calamity.  To  this  wife  oeconomy  fhould  1 
be  fubjeded  laws,  orators,  and  private  perfons,  nor  deviate 
from  its  maxims  and  diretStions.     But  our  government  be-  , 
ing  quite  depraved,  we  take  no  proper  care,  nor  confider 
how  we  may  reflore  it  to  its  firfl  plan  and  excellency.    In- 
deed, in  courts  of  juflice,  we  accufe  one  another,  and  fay, 
that  we  never  were  governed  worfe  under  a  democracy ; 
but,  in  our  private  thoughts  and  fentiments,  we  love  our 
prefent  form  of  adminiflration  better  than  that  left  us  by 
our  anceflors  :  concerning  which  I  am  going  to  make  this 
following  oration,  as  I  have  declared  before. 

I  FIND  this  the  only  method  that  can  avert  future  mif- 
fortunes  from  us,  as  well  as  remedy  our  prefent  calamities, 
if  we,  with  unanimity,  reftore  that  form  of  democratical 
government,  which  was  eflablifhed  by  Solon.  Cleiflhenes, 
who  drove  out  our  tyrants,  and  reflored  the  popular  power, 
recalled  Solon's  commonwealth  to  its  firfl  vigour.  Now, 
we  fhall  never  find  any  form  more  calculated  than  this  for 
the  people's  jufl  power,  or  more  conducive  to  our  city's 

I  interefl. 


y 


ii,b      the    0  R  A  t  I  O  N  S 

jntereft.  This  is  the  flrongefl  proof:  they,  who  lived  urt- 
der  this  form,  did  noble  and  glorious  a£lions,  gained  the 
approbation  of  all,  and  had  deferred  to  them  the  fupremc 
authority  of  Greece  by  free  confent ;  but  thofe,  who  are  fo 
defirous  of  our  prefent  ftate,  are  hated  of  all,  have  fallen 
into  great  difficulties,  and  were  upon  the  very  verge  of  the 
greateft  calamities.  Now,  how  can  any  one  juftly  praife 
or  love  fuch  a  policy,  which  has  formerly  been  the  occafion 
c)f  fo  many  evils,  and  now  annually  becomes  worfe,  and 
moire  difordered  ?  How  can  any  help  fearing,  lelt,  by  ad- 
ditional depravity,  it  may  conclude  by  more  calamitous 
events  than  formerly  we  were  expofed  to?  But,  that 
you  may  not  only  hear  generals,  but  undcrfland  particu- 
lars, and  make  an  accurate  judgment  of  them,  it  becomes 
you  to  be  attentive  to  what  I  am  going  to  fay  ;  for  I  will 
exprefs  myfelf  as  briefly,  but  as  much  to  the  piirpofe]  as  I 
atn  poflibly  able.  Our  ancellors  conftituted  a  republic,  not 
in  title  only  the  mildeft  and  moft  popular,  but  appearing  by 
fatSl,  and  upon  experience,  fo  :  nor  did  they  fo  govern  their 
citizens,  as  to  make  them  believe^  luxury  and  licence  were 
a  democracy,  and  a  contempt  of  all  law,  perfecSl  freetlom ; 
infolence,  an  equality  in  equity^  or  the  power  of  acftihg  in 
this  loofe  manner,  happinefs :  on  the  contrary,  they  judged, 
they  hated,  and  punifhed  fuch  diforders,  and,  by  vigilance, 
rendered  all  their  fellow-citizens  better  and  wifer.  What 
highly  conferred  to  their  wife  ceconomy  was,  that  they 
knew  perfedlly,  that  there  were  two  fuppofed  equalities ; 
the  firft,  when  all  had  an  equal  fhare  in  all  things ;  and  the 
fecond,  when  each  had  according  to  his  juft  merit.  Now, 
they  were  not  ignorant  of  which  was  the  preferable  ;  for 
they  difapproved  of  that  government,  which  levelled  the 
good  and  bad  indifcriminately,  as  being  inconfiftent  with 
juftice;  but  chofethat  form,  which  rewarded  and  punifhed 
according  to  merit.  It  was  in  this  fort  that  they  fleered 
the  helm  of  public  ceconomy,  and  did  not  chufe  magi- 
ftrates  promifcuoufly,  but  exalted  to  power  thofe  who  were 
the  befl  and  moft  fit  for  public  flations  j  for  they  judged  the 

mobile 


\ 


\ 


\  \ 


^. 


.1 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       157 

faobilc  would  be  fuch  as  were  their  governors :  befides,  they 
judged  this  diflribution  of  authority  wifer  than  by  fortuitous 
lots.     P'ortune,  they  thought,  prefided  in  fuch  chances,  and 
;thofe  were  often  put  in  power,  who  defired  an  oligarchy  ; 
but,  by  a  confiderate  elcdion  of  the  mofl  worthy,  the  body 
of  the  people  might  chufe  out  fuch  as  mofl  fmcerely  loved 
the  good  of  their  country.     The  happy  principle,  which 
reio-ned  at  that  time,  was,  not  to  be  ambitious  of  pofls,  be- 
caufe  each  was  determined  to  do  their  utmofV  for  the  com- 
mon good,  and  fpare  the  public  treafures,  and  not  be  extra- 
vao-ant  in  particular,  and  plunder  others  ;  not  eflablifh  their 
own  affairs  by  their  country's  robbery,  but  from  their  own 
private  wdi-managed  revenues  afnft  the  public  on  juft  and 
emergent  occafions ;  in  fhort,  not  examine  more  into  the 
ftates  taxes  than  their  own  annual  income :  fo  that  it  was 
more  difficult  to  find,  in  thofe  times,  thofe  who  courted 
popular  promotion,  than  it  is  now,  fuch  as  defire  no  more, 
but  are  contented  with  their  own  fortunes ;  for  they  di4 
not  think  the  care  of  public  affairs  of  the  nature  of  a 
market,  but  a  trufl  which  required  the  greatefl  vigilance 
and  honour :  nor  did  they  fo  quick-fightedly  look  ^bout 
them,  where  their  prcdecefTors  had  left  fome  ftock;  but       / 
rather,  if  they  had  left  unfinifhed  fome  noble  work,  which  V 
required  a  lall:  hand  to  it :  in  a  word,  they  were  fenfible, 
that  the  people,  like  an  abfolute  lord,  ought  to  conflitute 
the  magiflrates,  punifli  the  offenders,  and  put  an  end  to 
conteflations ;  but  that  the  affluent,  and  thofe  who  de- 
pended not  on  necefTary  bufmefs,  fhould  take  care  of  the 
public  interefls,  as  their  own,  out  of  a  principle  of  gene- 
rofity,  and  love  that  applaufe  which  is  given  to  fmcere  me- 
rit :  on  the  contrary,  if  they  aded  ill,  be  expofed  to  the  jufl 
refentment  of  the  public.     How  is  it  poffible,  may  I  here 
exclaim,  to  find  out  a  flronger  or  more  equitable  common- 
wealth than  that  which  placed,  in  pofls  of  power,  the  mofl 
capable  of  affairs,  but  conflituted  the  aflcmbled  body  of 
the  people  difpofers  of  them  ? 

This 


158       The    ORATIONS 

This  was  the  oeconomy  of  their  ft  ate.     It  is  eafy,  froth 
this  £bort  fketch,  to  imagine,  that  they  muft  have  governed 
with  great  wifdom  and  prudence;  for  it  muft  be,  that  thofe* 
who  confult  wifely  about  the  whole  of  affairs,  muft  manage, 
with  difcretion,  arifmg  incidents.     And,  in  the  firft  place, 
as  to  what  related  to  the  immortal  gods  (for  certainly  they 
ought  to  take  the  firft  place),  they  neither  facrificed  to  them, 
nor  celebrated  their  feafts  in  an  unlawful  or  diforderly  man- 
ner, nor  fent,  out  of  a  capricious  humour  at  times,  three 
hundred  oxen  to  a  famous  temple ;  but,  when  their  coun- 
try feftivals  occurred,  negle(5led  the  yearly  rituals :  nor  did 
they  (hew  magnificence  upon  occafional  feafts,  and,  in  the 
moft  facred  folemnities,  fhewed  a  meannefs,  and  facrificed 
bought  cattle  3  but  they  were  particularly  follicitous  of  this 
alone,  neither  to  infringe  their  country's  cuftoms,  or  add  to 
them.     They  did  not  think  piety  confifted  in  expence,  but    J 
in   altering  nothing  of  the  traditions  of  their  anceftors ; 
wherefore,  their  folemnities  did  not  return  upon  fudden 
dangers  and  diforders,  but  regularly,  and  with  decorum ; 
when  they  began  to  cultivate  their  lands,  or  get  in  their 
harvefts.     In  the  fame  manner  they  governed  their  own  af- 
fairs ;  for  they  had  not  only  unity  among  themfelves,  but, 
even  in  common  life,  they  took  fuch  care  of  one  another, 
as  it  becomes  the  prudent,  and  fuch  as  inhabit  the  fame 
country.     And  fo  far  were  the  poorer  fort  from  envying 
the  affluent,  that  they  were  as  anxious  for  the  profperity  of 
great  houfes  as  their  own ;  thinking  the  flourifhing  condition 
of  fuch  their  own  happinefs.     Thofe,    on  the  contrary, 
who  were  poflefTed  of  fubftance,  were  fo  far  from  defpifmg 
the  indigent,  that  they  thought  the  poverty  of  any  of  their 
fellow-citizens  a  difgrace.     They  let  out  their  lands,  at  eafy 
rents ;  fome  they  afTifted  in  merchandize,  and  fome  in  dif- 
ferent manufactures.     Hiey  were  not  of  fuch  grovelling 
tempers,  as  to   fear  either  of  thefe  two  cafes ;  that  they 
might  expend  in  public  good  their  all,  or,  thus  engaging 
themfelves  for  others,  might  diminifti  their  treafures :  but 
they  had  as  good  hopes  from  their  liberalities,  as  what  was 

in 


i 


\ 


L. 


of     I  S   O  C  R  A  T  E   S.         I  rg 

in  their  chefts ;   for  they  faw  the  citizens,  who  then  had  the 
fupreme  power,  did  not  abufe  thefe  favoursybut  were  grate- 
ful, and  fubmiftive  to  the  laws.     So  far  were  they  from  af- 
fifting  others  in  any  injuftice  done  the  great,  that  they  were 
enflamed  againft  fuch  criminals  more  than  had  it  been  done 
to  themfelves  ;  and  believed,  that  the  poorer  fort  were  more 
injured  by  the  knavifti  behaviour  of  particulars,  than  even 
the  rich,  who  might  fuffer  by  it ;  that  the  rich,  indeed,  by 
being  deprived  of  fome  gain,  were  only  flightly  incommoded 
in  their  revenues  ;  but  that,  ftiould  the  poorer  be  deprived 
of  their  aftiftance,  they  muft  all  be  reduced  to  the  laft  ex- 
tremity.    For  this  reafon,  no  one  concealed  his  money^ 
nor  was  unwilling  to  confer  favours  on  others ;  but  were 
more  pleafed  to  fee  thofe  who  took  their  money  on  intereft 
than  thofe  who  came  to  make  full  payment.     But  this  con- 
dud  fucceeded  as  wife  men  would  wifli  j  for  they  both  be- 
nefited the  public,  and  employed  profitably  their  own  fub- 
ftance.    But  the  chief  of  all  was,  that  they  converted  toge- 
ther on  the  terms  of  amity  j  for  all  pofleffions  were  fecure 
to  thofe  who  poffefTed  them  juftly,  and  the  ufe  of  them  wa« 
equitably  open  to  all  citizens. 

Perhaps  fome  will  find  fault  with  what  I  have  faid,  be- 
caufe  I  praife  the  a£lions  which  were  done  in  thofe  times, 
but  do  not  mention  the  caufes  why  they  were  fo  happy  in 
public  and  private.  Tho\  I  think,  I  have  hinted  fome- 
thing  of  this,  yet  I  fliall  endeavour  to  fpeak  more  diR'mSily 
upon  this  fubjed.  They  had  not  a  variety  of  teachers,  as  / 
we  have  now,  and,  as  foon  as  they  became  men,  were  left 
to  their  full  liberty ;  but,  in  the  bloom  of  their  life,  had 
more  care  beftowed  upon  them  than  before ;  for  our  pro- 
genitors laid  the  interefts  of  virtue  fo  to  heart,  that  they 
appointed  the  Areopagus  to  infped  the  decency  of  people's 
manners  j  which  dignity  none  could  arrive  at,  but  thofe 
who  had  been  honourably  born,  had  ftiewn  diftinguiftied 
virtue  and  moderation,  as  became  thofe  who  were  to  fit  in 
the  fupreme  place  of  judicature  ofill  Greece. 


We 


> 


^ 


i6o       The     ORATIONS 

We  may  judge  of  the  truth  of  v/hat  I  have  aflcrted,  by 
thofe  who  pref^ded  then,  and  thofe  who  fit  there  now)  for 
we  may  fee  all- thofe,  who  participate  of  this  honour,  tho* 
they  gre  infuiTerable  in  other  regards,  as  foon  as  they  enter 
the  Areopagus,  rtTifting  their  own  natures,  and  rather 
obeying  the  laws  there,  than  their  own  perverfe  difpofi- 
tion^  :  fuch  a  horror  our  anceilors  left  in  that  facred  place 
of  all  crimes,  and  fuch.  a  remembrance  of  virtue  and  tem^ 
perance  !  They  therefore,  as  I  faid,  made  this  fenate  the 
guardian  of  good  manners  :  they  judged,  like  wife  men, 
that  thofe  were  deceived,  who  thought  the  beft  men  were 
formed  where  there  was  the  greatefl  accuracy  of  laws ;  for 
there  iii  no  difficulty  in  having  them  alike  over  ail  Greece, 
by  the  eafy  communication  of  letters.  But  virtue  does  not 
arife  from  fuch  theory,  but  from  habit  and  daily  practice  • 
for,  by  regular  manners,  a  great  nurtiber  muft  become  a^ 
]ike,  in  refpecl  of  what  they  have  been  intruded  in:  where- 
as, multitude  and  exadnefs  of  laws  is  a  proof,  that  the  city 
is  not  wifely  governed  ;  for  when  there  are  neceflary  huU 
warks,  as  it  were,  againft  vice,  many  laws  muft  be  the 
confeqiience :  but  prudent  ftates  ought  not  to  have  theic 
piazzas  filled  with  edicts,  but  the  minds  of  the  citizens  with 
folid  juftice ;  for  virtuous  conduct,  and  not  public  decrees,, 
fenders  a  nation  happy  :  in  a  word,  the  viciouj.and  ill-edu-, 
cated  will  dare  to  tranfgrefs  againft  the  befl  of  laws/ but 
thofe  im^proved  by  good  education,  will  put  in  pradice  what 
the  jufteft  rules  of  their  country  require^^  They  had  not.' 
fo  much  in  view  the  fevere  punifliments  of  the  bad,  ^s  fp  to 
form  their  own  minds,  as  to  be  worthy  of  ^lo  penalty;  for- 
they  judged  this  their  own  bufmefs  :  on  the  contrary,  they 
thought  it  became  enemies  to  think  of  others  torments. 
They  were  follicitous  for  all  the  citizens,  but  efpecially  the 
^J2.^ngcft  i  they  faw  thofe  liable  to  the  violenteft  paflions 
and  diforders,  and  their  minds  requiring  the  beft  inftruc- 
t'lon,  to  be  incited  to  the  love  of  honourable  adions,  and 
iuch  labcLjis  as  procure  reputation,  true  pleafurc,  and  glory ; 
for  thoiC  only  continue  in  the  oradicc  of  thcfc  virtues, who 

are 


c. 


of   I  8  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        i6j 

are  well  educated,  and  accuftomed  to  noble  thoughts.  Now, 
it  was  not  poflible,  that  all  fhould  live  exadly  by  the  fame 
inftitutes,  fmce  they  were  in  very  different  ftations  of  life ; 
but,  as  far  as  was  confiftent  with  their  different  fortunes, 
they  required  it  of  every  one  :  for  they  brought  up  to  mer- 
chandize and  hufbandry  fuch  as  were  of  the  poorer  fort ; 
knowings  that  indigence  is  the  attendant  upon  lazinefs,  but 
wicked  adions  come  from  poverty.     By  removing  the 
caufes,  they  thought  they  deftroyed  the  very  roots  of  evil : 
but  thofe  who  had  a  competency,  they  exercifed  in  horfe- 
manfhip,  in  gymnaflic  games,  and  philofophy  ;  for  they 
perceived  by  thisceconomy,  that  fome  arrived  at  the  greatefl 
excellency,  and  others  abflained  from  the  greatefl  part  of 
evils.     And  tho'  they  ratified  thefe  rules  by  laws,  they  were 
not  negligent  of  the  remainder  of  their  lives  ;  for^  dividing 
the  city  into  wards,  and  the  country  into  tribes,  they  in- 
fpeded  the  lives  of  all,  and  brought  the  difobedient  and 
irregular  before  juftice*     This  court  admonifhed   fome, 
threatened  others,  and  punifhed,  as  it  was  convenient,  the 
obftinate.     They  well  knew  there  were  two  difpofitions, 
the  one  inclining  to  injuftice^  and  the  other  to  integrit)' ; 
for  in  thofe  cities,  wherein  there  is  neither  a  prifon^  nor  pu- 
niiliment  of  diforders^  nor  accurate  fentences  in  law,  even 
the  good  become  depraved  by  example  :  but  where  injuftice 
can  never  be  concealed,  nor,  when  it  is  known,  go  unpu- 
niflied,  all  vices,  by  degrees,  were  baniflied  in  fuch  well- 
governed  cities.     It  was  by  a  convidion  of  this^  that  they 
reftrained  their  citizens  from  vices,  both  by  punifhment  and 
vigilance  j  for  tranfgrelTors  of  the  laws  were  fo  far  from 
being  hid  to  them,  that  they  even  perceived  before-hand 
when  the  efteemed  honeft  were  going  to  commit  difgrace- 
ful  adions.     Wherefore,  the  youth  did  not  pafs  whole  days 
in  gaming^  hearing  players  on  wind-inftruments,  or  in  fuch 
aflemblies  as  they  now  trifle  away  their  time  in  ;  but  they 
were  ftudious  of  thofe  inflrudions  which  were  appointed 
them^  admiring  and  feeking  the  converfation  of  fuch  as  ex* 
celled  in  them ;  and  they  fo  (hunned  the  public  forum,  that, 

M  4 


162'      The    ©  ft  A  t  I  O  N  S 

if  they  were  occafionally  forced  to  pafs  through  it,  they  did 
fo  with  great  retinue  and  modefty.  They  likewife  thought 
it  then  a  greater  difgrace  to  contradidl  or  reproach  their  el- 
ders, than  it  is  thought  now  to  infult  parents  ;  for  not  even 
a  modeft  fervant  would  be  feen  to  eat  or  drink  in  a  public- 
houfe.  They  ftudied  .gravity,  and  not  a  faucy,  audacious 
contumely ;  and  they  then  thought  low  fcoundrels  thofe 
who  love  indecent  jefts  and  farcafms,  and  are  now  efteemed 
wits  for  it.  But  let  me  not  be  thought  morofe  againft  our 
^  youth :  no,  I  do  not  judge  them  authors  of  our  prefent  cir- 
cumftances.  I  know,  that  moft  of  them  take  no  pleafurc 
in  the  management,  if  it  may  be  called  fo,  of  our  public 
affairs,  tho'  it  gives  them  the  liberty  of  abandoning  them- 
felves  to  all  luxury  :  fo  that  it  would  be  unjuft  to  impute 
our  unhappinefs  to  them,  but,  more  reafonably,  to  fuch  as 
governed  our  city  a  while  ago ;  it  was  they  who  reduced  our 
ftate  to  this  contemptible  condition,  and  diflblved  all  the 
power  of  our  former  good  government ;  during  the  time  of 
which  wife  oeconomy,  neither  law-fuits,  or  exa£lions,  not 
poverty,  or  wars,  oppreffed  our  cities  ;  but  we  were  in  con- 
cord among  ourfelves,  and  at  peace  with  our  neighbours  : 
for  our  anceftors  behaved  themfelves  with  fidelity  towards 
the  Greeks,  and  with  courage  towards  the  Barbarians ;  they 
iaved  the  firft,  and  afflidled  the  others  with  fuch  lofTes,  that 
they  were  glad  to  remain  ftill,  if  they  might  efcape  fuiFer- 
ing  the  like.  Wherefore,  our  anceftors  lived  with  that  fe- 
cunty,  that  they  had  finer  and  better  furniftied  houfes  upon 
their  own  lands,  than  in  the  city  :  fo  that  many  of  the  citi- 
zens did  not  chufe  to  come  even  at  the  public  feafts,  but 
chofe  to  pafs  them  at  their  houfes,  rather  than  partake  of 
the  public  pomp  and  munificence.  Nor  did  they,  in  their 
public  fpe£lacles,  which  their  countrymen  came  to,  behave 
in  a  luxurious  or  proud,  but  a  wife  and  rational  manner  5 
for  they  did  not  judge  of  happinefs  by  pomps,  by  public 
dancings,  or  fuch  fhewy  pride,  but  by  living  temperately, 
employing  well  every  day,  and  by  none  of  the  citizens 
wanting  what  was  neceflary.     By  this  wife  ceconomy  wc 

may 


of    I  S  Gt  ft  A  T  E:  g.       16^ 

fhzy  heA  j^^ge  of  a  well-governed  ftate,  and  not  by  a  proud^ 
oppreilive  management*  Now,  who  is  there  poftefTed  of  a 
degree  of  wifdom,  who  is  not  afHided  to  fee  the  prefent 
condition  of  our  affairs  ;  while  fonie  of  the  citizens^  whe- 
tiier  they  have  a  competent  qualification  by  eftate  and  edu-" 
cation,  or  not,  ftand  candidates  for  public  employments^  go- 
vern and  manage  the  Grecian  fleets,  dance  publicly  in  em^ 
broidered  vefts,  and  pafs  the  winter-feafon  ift  fuch  diverfions^ 
as  I  am  afliamed  to  mention,  with  other  inconfift^ncies  in- 
numerable in  our  republic,  which  are  the  caufe  of  great  in- 
famy to  the  city  ?  nothing  of  which  happened  during  our 
former  wife  fenate ;  for  it  freed  the  poor  from  their  diftreflcf 
by  beneficence,  and  the  concurrent  afliftances  of  the  rich^ 
and  the  youth  from  vices,  by  care  and  diligent  inftrudlionsj 
but  kept  within  bounds  the  avaricious  magiftrate,  by  purtifli- 
tnent,  and  infpedlion  into  all  injuftice.  The  elders  were 
pufhed  on  to  vigilance  by  various  honours,  and  the  re\'e- 
rence  of  youth.  Now,  what  form  of  government  could  be 
more  valuable  than  this,  which  took  fuch  diligent  care  of 
all  ?  We  have  mentioned,  I  believe,  moft  of  the  happjr 
circumftances  of  that  time;  but  what  has  been  omit- 
ted, it  is  an  eafy  matter  to  guefs  at  by  what  has  been  faid 
already. 

Some  have  heard  me  explain  thefe  truths  before,  have 
praifed  me  fuperlatively,  and  admired  our  anceftors,  becaufis 
they  governed  our  city  in  fuch  a  manner,  but  did  not  think 
I  fliould  ever  perfuade  you  to  follow  the  example ;  on  the 
contrary,  that  you  knowingly  would  continue,  by  the  force 
of  cuftom,  in  the  fame  difficulties^  rather  than,  by  return- 
ing to  fo  wife  a  form,  lead  a  more  virtuous  and  rational  life. 
They  faid,  I  incurred  the  danger^  by  advifuig  what  was 
beft,  of  becoming  odious  to  you,  and  be  thought  to  defign 
an  oligarchy.  If  I  had  not  fpoken  of  evident  fads,  but  of 
unexperienced  novelties,  and  had  counfellcd  you  to  model 
the  government  accordingly,  by  an  eledion  of  fcribes  and 
counfellors,  by  whom  formerly  the  people's  authority  was 
♦verthrownj  I  juftly  Khould  undergo  fuch  a  cenfure.     But 

M  2  I  have 


i64       The    ORATIONS 

I  have  faid  nothing  of  this  nature,  but  have  reafoned  (rofd 
an  ceconomy  well  known,  and  clear  by  hiftory  to  all ; 
which,  all  are  perfuaded,  was  your  paternal  government, 
and  the  caufe  of  the  greateft  felicities  to  our  city,  and  all 
Greece.     Add  to  this,  a  government  inftituted  by  thofe 
men,  whom  all  will  acknowledge  to  have  been  the  jufteft 
and  wifeft  of  our  citizens  in  any  age.    Wherefore,  may  the 
greateft  of  calamities  befall  me,  if,  while  I  only  prcpofc 
this  wife  government,  I  have  an  intention  of  any  innova- 
tion !  But  from  hence  my  defign  is  evident ;  for,  in  moft  of 
my  difcourfes,  I  fhall  appear  to  condemn  oligarchies  and 
y'    oppreflions,  but  continually  to  praife  democracies  :  not  all 
indeed,  but  fuch  as  are  well  inftituted ;  not  by  chance,  but 
upon  the  principles  of  juftice  and  reafon.     I  know  per- 
fedllv,  that  your  anceftors,  by  this  ceconomy,  excelled  o- 
thers  ;  and  that  the  Lacedaemonians  have  flouriftied  parti- 
cularly on  account  of  their  ftngular  adherence  to  popular 
intereft  and  authority.     In  the  choice  of  magiftrates,  and 
their  daily  life,  as  well  as  other  inftitutes,  we  may  fee,  that 
an  equality  and  fimilitude  of  condition   prevails   among 
them;  which  oligarchies  are  averfe  to;  but  thofe,  who  live 
in  a  popular  ftate,  conftantly  encourage  it. 

Now,  we  ftiall  find,  upon  reflc£lion,  that  democracies, 
more  than  oligarchies,  have  made  the  fplendideft  and  moft 
flouriftiing  cities  :  fo  that  even  your  prefent  republic,  which 
all  find  fault  with,  if  compared  with  your  former,  may  yet 
feem  divinely  inftituted,  in  comparifon  of  our  ftate  under  the 
thirty  tyrants.  I  am  refolved,  that  tho*  I  (hould  be  thought 
to  fpeak  foreign  to  my  purpofe,  I  will  manifeft  and  declare 
how  much  our  government  differs  from  that  of  our  ancef- 
tors, that  no  one  may  imagine,  I  defign  to  aggravate  the 
faults  of  the  populace ;  and,  if  they  have  done  any  thing 
in  a  grave  and  decent  manner,  pafs  it  by.  Now,  this  part 
of  my  difcourfe  will  neither  be  long,  or  ufelefs  to  my  hear- 
ers. After  we  had  loft  our  fliips  at  the  Hellefpont,  and  our 
city  was  involved  in  thofe  calamities,  which  you  all  know, 
who  did  not  perceive, that  thofe  of  the  elders, who  were  moft 

afFedlionate 


cf    I  S  O  C  RATES.      165 

afFeAlonate  of  the  people,  were  ready  to  fufFer  any  thing, 
rather  than  obey  foreign  command  ?  for  they  judged  it  aa 
infamy,  ftiould  they  fee  that  city,  which  had  been  at  the 
head  of  Greece,  fubjeiEl  to  thofe  who  were  wont  to  be  de- 
pendent :  on  the  contrary,  thofe  who  are  defirous  of  an  oli- 
garchy, were  ready  to  demolifti  their  walls,  and  accept  of 
flavery ;  befides,  when  the  people  were  mafter s  of  the  ftate, 
we  had  our  garifons  in  others  towns;  but  when  th% thirty 
tyrannized,  the  enemy  was  pofTefled  of  feveral  of  ours, 
and,  after  that  time,  the  Lacedaemonians  became  your  maf- 
ters :  yet  no  fooner  the  baniflied  being  returned,  dared  to 
fight,  and  Conon  got  the  better  in  a  fea-engagement,  but 
cmbafiadors  were  immediately  fent  to  us,  and  we  were  of- 
fered the  command  at  fea.     This  every  one  of  our  cotem- 
poraries  is  fenfible  of;  for  our  antient  democracy  fo  dec(K 
rated  the  city  with  temples,  and  ftated  fecrifices,  that,  at 
this  very  day,  ftrangers,  who  vifit  it,  think  it  not  gnly 
worthy  of  being  at  the  head  of  Greece,  but  of  all  other  na- 
tions :  but  the  thirty  negledled  fome  facrifices,  plundered 
fome  temples,  and  fold  the  building-docks  for  three  talents, 
which  had  coft  the  city  at  the  leaft  a  thoufand.     But  neither 
can  I  praife  their  mildnefs  and  clemency  more  than  what 
the  democracy  had  fhewed ;  for  tho'  they  received  their 
power  by  eledlion,  yet  they  murdered  thirteen  hundred  of 
their  fellow-citizens,  without  the  form  of  law,  and  forced 
above  five  thoufand  to  fly  into  the  Pyraeum  :  butthefe  get- 
ting a  glorious  vidory,  and  returning  by  force  of  arms, 
(lew  the  authors  of  thofe  calamities,  and  managed  all  things 
among  the  citizens  with  that  equity  and  juftice,  that  thofe 
who  had  joined  with  the  tyrants,  had  equal  liberty  and  pro- 
perty with  thofe  who  had  recovered  their  rights  by  vidlory. 
But  this  is  the  nobleft  and  moft  glorious  proof  of  the  peo- 
ple's moderation  ;  for  thofe  who  had  continued  in  the  city, 
having  borrowed  a  hundred  talents  to  carry  on  the  fiege  a- 
gainft  thefe  who  had  poftefled  themfelves  of  the  Pyraeum,  a 
general  alTembly  being  called  about  the  payment  of  that  mo- 
ney, and  fome  faying  it  was  but  juft,  that  the  befiegers^  aad 

M  3  not 


i66        -The    ORATIONS 

not  the  befieged,  Ihould  pay  this  fum  to  their  allies,  the 
people  ftill  decreed  the  payment  fhould  be  common.  By 
this  conduct,  they  caufed  fuch  an  union,  and  fo  far  recof 
vered  the  ruined  ftate  of  the  city,  that  the  Lacedaemonians, 
who  were  very  near  giving  abfolute  law  to  our  city  during 
-  the  oligarchy,  came  in  a  fuppliant  manner  to  our  demo- 
cracy, begging  of  our  city  not  to  fufFer  them  to  be  opr 
preflec^by  the  Thebans.  Now,  this  is  the  fummary  of  the 
^.  different  fentiments  of  our  two  parties  :  the  oligarchic  party 
^  endeavoured  to  enflave  their  citizens,  but  ferve  their  ene- 
mies ;  the  democratic  chofe  to  govern  others,  and  preferve 
equality  among  the  citizens. 

I  HAVE  hitherto  explained  myfelf  thus,  for  two  reafons : 
the  firfl,  to  fhew  myfelf  not  an  abettor  of  oligarchies, 
or  opprcfEon,  but  of  a  juft  and  wife  management  of  flate  ; 
the  fccond,  that  an  iJl-conflituted  republic  is  productive  of 
Ids  inconveniency  than  an  oligarchy ;  but  that  well-go- 
verned ones  are  tranfcendently  preferable,  by  being  grounded 
tai  jufler  principles,  and  more  eafy  and  pleafant  to  the  fub- 
yccis.  Now,  perhaps,  it  may  be  wondered  at  by  fome,  why 
I  pcrfuade  you  to  another  form,  when  fuch  generous,  glo- 
rious a6Uons  have  been  performed  by  our  prefent  conflitu- 
tion ;  and  why  I  have  juft  now  fo  highly  extolled  the  demo- 
cracy, but,  when  I  happen  to  change  my  language,  I  inveigh 
fo  heavily  againft  our  prefent  management.  I  am  even 
accuftomed  to  condemn  private  men,  when  they  do  but  a 
few  reafonable  actions,  and  commit  many  extravagant  ones  i 
;ind  I  think  them  more  negligent,  and  lefs  worthy,  than 
they  ought  to  be.  In  the  fame  manner,  I  difpraife  fuch 
children,  as  born  of  noble-minded,  virtuous  parents,  yet 
become  little  better  than  fuch  as  are  infamous  by  their  vices^ 
tnd  far  beneath  their  forefathers  excellencies  ;  and  I  cer- 
tainly would  counfel  them  to  defift  from  continuing  fo. 
Now,  having  the  fame  fentiments  about  public  as  private 
^airs,  I  do  not  think  we  ought  to  be  proud,  or  admire 
ourfelves,  if  we  are  more  regular  and  juft  than  men  wno 
fyff^  variety  of  calamities  by  th^ii'  madnefs  and  folly,  but 

I  rather 


ft* 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        167 

rather  grieve  and  beforry,  if  we  have  degenerated  from  our 
anceftors  ;  for  we  ought  to  emulate  their  virtues,  and  not 
imitate  the  (hocking  vices  and  tyranny  of  the  thirty :  be- 
fides,  it  becomes  us  to  excel  all  mankind.     I  have  not  ex- 
prelTed  my  thoughts  only  in  this  manner  at  prefent,  but 
many  times,  and  to  many  perfons  before ;  for  I  am  fenfible, 
that,  in  many  places,  the  natures  of  fruits,  trees,  and  ani- 
mals, are  different  according  to  the  various  climates,  nay, 
very  different  from  one  another.     But  this  I  know  likewife, 
that  our  country  is  capable  of  producing  men,  not  only  in- 
genious in  refpe6t  of  arts  and  mechanics,  but  diftinguifhed 
by  their  valour  and  humanity.     A  proof  of  this  is,  their  ex- 
ploits againft  the  Amazons,  the  Thracians,  and  all  the  Pe- 
loponnefians,  as  well  as  thofe  dangers  which  they  ran  in  the 
wars  with  the  Perfians ;  in  which  wars,   both  alone,  and 
with  the  Peloponnefians,  by  land  and  by  fea,  they  con- 
quered the  Barbarians,  and  deferved  the  higheft  praife  for 
magnanimity :  which  could  never  have  been  done,  had  they 
not  excelled  in  nature.     But  let  not  any  imagine  this  a  pa- 
negyric, or  encomium  of  our  prefent  ftate  :  fuch  orations 
are  juft  praifes  of  thofe  who  equal  their  anceftors  virtues, 
but  a  fatire  upon  fuch  as  difgrace  themfelves  by  falling  fliort 
of  them,  which  we  do.     I  will  fpeak  freely  the  truth :  tho* 
we  were  poffeffed  of  this  excellency  in  nature,  we  have  not 
preferved  it,  but  we  are  fallen  into  ignorance  and  confufion, 
^nd  the  love  of  fordid  pleafures.     But  I  am  afraid,  fhould 
I  expatiate  and  enlarge  my  difcourfe  upon  our  mifconducSt, 
I  fhould  wander  too  far  from  my  firft  purpofe  :  concerning 
this  I  have  fpoke  before,  and  fhall  fpeak  again,  if  I  do  not 
prevail  on  you  to  corre£t  your  prefent  behaviour. 

After  I  have  fpoken  briefly  a^out  what  I  propofed  In 
the  beginning,  I  will  give  place  to  any  who  will  give  their 
judgment  of  our  prefent  circumftances.  If  we  continue  to 
live  as  we  do,  it  muft  neceffarily  follow,  that  we  have  endr 
lefs  difputes,  frequent  wars,  and  a£t  and  fuffer  as  we  have 
done  in  the  late  paft  times  s  but,  if  we  change  our  eecono- 
my,  we  may  reafonably  expe£t,  that  our  affairs  will  take  as 

M  4  *^PPy 


168     The    ORATIONS,  Sec. 

happy  a  turn  as  in  our  forefathers  time ;  for  it  is  confc- 
quent,  that,  from  the  like  infHtutions  and  manners,  the 
fame  or  the  Hke  fuccelTes  and  a<Sltons  muft  follow.     Now, 
comparing  ours  and  our  anceftors  adlions  together,  we  ought 
to  determine  which  we  would  chufe.    And,  firft,  let  us  con- 
fider,  how  the  Grecians  and  Barbarians  were  afFedlcd  by 
the  antient  form  of  government :  fuch  confideration  of  the 
differences  muft  contribute  to  our  happinefs.     Now,  the 
'  Grecians  had  fuch  confidence  in  the  managers  of  our  public 
affairs  then,  that  moft  of  them  put  themfelves  fpontaneoufly 
under  the  patronage  of  our  city ;  and  the  Barbarians  were 
fo  far  from  interfering  in  the  Grecian  affairs,  that  they  ap- 
proached not  Phafelis  with  their  long  fhips,  nor  came  down 
with  their  armies  within  the  river  Halys,  but  kept  them- 
felves in  profound  tranquillity;    but  things  are  now  fo 
changed,  that  the  Greeks  hate  our  city,'and  the  others  defpife 
it.     In  regard  of  the  Grecian  hatred,  you  have  had  a  proof 
of  it  from  their  generals  ;  and  the  Perfian  monarch,  by  the 
letters  he  has  fent  us,  fuiHciently  declares  his  difpofition. 
Let  me  here  add,  that  the  citizens  of  thofe  times  remained 
in  peace  at  home;  fuch  lovers  were  they  of  peace  and  hu- 
manity !  but  always  conquered  fuch  as  dared  to  invade  their 
territory.     We  do  the  contrary ;  we  never  ceafe  aiHiding 
one  another  daily ;  but  have  fo  far  neglefted  military  art» 
that  we  dare  not  bring  things  to  an  examination,  but  by  the 
dint  of  money.     In  their  time,  no  citizens  were  in  want  of 
necefTaries,  nor  did  one  beggar  difgrace  the  city ;  now,  the 
indigent  exceed  the  eafy.     Methinks,  the  poor  ought  to  be 
^xcufed  from  folliciting  themfelves  about  the  public,  and 
confine  themfelves  to  their  own  daily  cares.     I  have  a  firm 
belief,  that,  if  we  imitate  our  anceftors,  we  fhall  both  free 
ourfelves  from  the  prefent  calamities,  and  become  prefervers 
of  all  Greece.     In  this  view,  I  have  ventured  to  appear  in 
public,  and  pronounce  this  oration.     Now,  I  defire,  that, 
upon  a  mature  confideration  of  the  reafons  I  have  propofed 
for  a  change,  you  will  determine  what  you  judge  beft  for 
our  cit}\  ^ 

THE 


i 


i     4i 


■  'i-'.i  \ 


¥ 


THE    EIGHTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCRATES. 


Qy^  rue  ?€hce 


[  i7»  ] 


.,n;^mim^mk^^mi^m^m 


The    SUBJECT. 

rHIS  oration  has  two  parts  :  the  jirji  is,  t& 
perfuade  the  Athenians  to  grant  the  ChianSy 
and  their  other  allies ,  their  liberty  ;  and  the  fe- 
condy  to  abjiainfrom  the  fovereignty  at  fea.  A- 
gainji  this  lajl  point,  Ariftides  is  /aid  to  have 
publijhed  an  oration,  which  oppofes  that  of  Ifo- 
crates.  Tlois  oration  is  in  the  deliberative  kind ; 
for  it  advifes  peace.  The  chief  argument  is 
drawn  from  utility.  There  is  a  great  beauty  in 
the  exordium,  and  indeed  throughout  the  whole 
eration. 


THE    EIGHTH 


Oration  of  IsocRATEs. 


THOSE  who  come  hither,  are  ufed  to  fay,  that 
thofe  things  which  they  are  going  to  fpeak  of, 
are  of  the  nobleft  nature,  and  worthy  the  ci- 
ty's utmoft  attention  :  but  if  there  ever  was  a  time  when 
this  might  be  faid  of  any  affairs,  methinks  that  I  (hall  now 
handle,  deferves  fuch  an  exordium.  We  are  affembled 
to  deliberate  about  peace  and  war,  which  are  of  the  higheft 
importance  in  human  life,  and  thofe  who  confult  maturely, 
are  more  fuccefsful  than  others.  The  importance,  therefore, 
of  our  prefent  fubjecSl  is  of  this  high  nature.  Now,  I  have 
frequently  obferved,  that  you  make  a  great  difference  betwixt 
orators,  and  are  attentive  to  fome,  but  cannot  fuffer  the  voice 
of  others.  This,  in  reality,  is  no  jufl  wonder^  for,  in  former 
times,  you  ufed  to  rejed  all  fuch  as  did  not  flatter  your  in- 
clinations i  which,  I  think,  deferves  an  impartial  blame : 
for  tho'  you  know  many  private  houfes  have  been  entirely 
ruined  by  flatteries,  and  detefl  fuch  perfons,  that,  in  their 
private  affairs,  condud  themfelves  in  this  manner,  yet  are 
not  difpofed  yourfelves  in  the  fame  manner,  in  regard  of  the 
public  management ;  for  finding  fault  with  the  fmcere,  and 
taking  pleafure  in  flatterers,  you  feem  to  put  more  confidence 
in  fuch  than  in  other  citizens  :  for  you  yourfelves  have  been 
the  caufe,  that  the  orators  fludy  and  meditate  not  fo  much 
what  will  be  beneficial  to  the  city,  as  what  will  pleafeyour 
hope  and  expe^ation  ;  for  which  a  croud  of  them  is  now 
flocked  together  :  for  it  is  evident  to  all,  that  you  take 

more 


172       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

more  pleafure  in  thofe  who  exhort  you  to  war,  than  fuch 
as  give  you  more  peaceable  counrds.  The  firft  give  yau 
hopes,  that  you  fhall  recover  your  poflefTions  in  the  loft  cp* 
tics,  and  eftablifh  yourfclves  again  in  the  fame  which  you 
had  before.  The  fecond  promife  nothing  of  this  nature, 
but  counfel  you  to  be  quiet,  and  not  afFecl  great  matters 
contrary  to  jufticc,  but  be  content  with  your  prefent  cir- 
cumilances  3  which  is  the  moft  difficult  of  all  things  to  the 
generality  of  mankind :  for  we  fo  lofe  ourfelvcs  in  airy 
hopes,  and  avaricioufly  flretch  after  imaginary  gain,  that 
the  very  perfons,  who  are  poflefTed  of  the  greateft  accumu-* 
lated  riches,  are  not  fatisfied  with  them ;  but  always  defir- 
ing  more,  hazard  even  their  prefent  pofTeilions.  I  am  a- 
fraid  we  are  inftigated  with  a  like  phrenzy  at  prefent  j  for  I 
fee  fome  inflamed  with  a  love  of  war,  not  as  if  vulgar  per- 
fons counfelled  them,  but  as  if  they  heard  fo  many  oracles 
of  the  gods,  that  all  fhall  fucceed  to  the  wifh,  and  we  {hall 
cafily  overcome  all  our  enemies :  but  it  becomes  the  pru- 
dent not  to  be  always  in  counfel  (for  that  is  idle  and  trif- 
ling), but  put  in  pra£lice  what  they  judge  befl ;  nor  ever 
imagine  they  can  judge  with  certainty  of  the  event  of  public 
counfcls.  Let  them  know  they  reafon  but  from  opinion, 
and  therefore  let  them  acquiefce  in  the  confequenccs  ac- 
cordingly. Neither  of  which  prudent  methods  do  you  fol- 
low, but  are  in  the  greateft  diforder  poflible.  You  have 
met  to  chufe,  as  it  becomes  you,  the  wifeft  mcafurcs ;  and 
though  you  do  know  what  is  beft  to  be  done,  yet  you  will 
hear  none  but  fuch  as  flatter  you.  But  if  you  truly  had 
the  city's  good  at  heart,  you  ought  rather  to  be  attentive- 
to  thofc  who  oppofe  your  fentiments,  than  fuch  as  fall  in 
with  your  humours  and  wcakncfles ;  for  you  cannot  be  ig- 
norant, that  thofe  who  pradlifc  fuch  artifices,  are  the  moft 
likely  to  deceive  you :  for  artful  flattery  eafily  clofes  the  eye 
to  truth  and  fmcerity.  But  you  can  never  fufFer  fuch  pre- 
judice from  thofe  who  fpcak  the  plain,  naked  truth  ;  for 
fuch  cannot  perfuade  you,  but  by  the  clear  demonftrations 
of  utility.     Without  this  difpofition,  how  can  men  judge 

of 


f. 


I 


r 


I 


I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       173 

of  a£lions,  or  probably  guefs  about  futurity^  unlefs  they 
liften  to  oppofitc  counfellors,  and  make  themfelves  equi- 
table hearers  of  both  parties  ?     I  w^onder  at  our  elders,, 
if  they  do  hot  remember,  and  at  our  youth,  if  they  have 
not  heard  it  from  others,  that  we  never  fuffered  by  thofe 
-who  advifed  us  conftantly  to  peace  i  but,  on  the  contrary, 
that  we  ever  were  brought  into  great  calamities  by  fuch  as    ■ 
rafhly  advifed  us  to  war.    But  we  vouchfafe  not  to  remem* 
ber  any  thing  of  this,  nor  do  what  concerns  our  prefent 
fituation,  but  fill  up  the  number  of  our  gallies,  make  vo- 
luntary contributions,  and  affift  thofe,  or  fight  againft  0- 
thers,  as  it  were,  fortuitoufly.     This  happens  to  us,  be- 
caufe  we  do  not,  what  we  ought,  take  the  fame  care  of  the 
public  as  we  do  of  our  private  affairs.     This  you  negledb    ' 
to  do;  for  when  you  confult  about  yourdomeftic  interefts 
you  feek  out  fuch  as  arc  prudenter,  and  more  advifed  than 
yourfelves ;    but,  in  rcfpedl  of  public  management,  you 
are  diftruftful  of  fuch  men,  and  envy  them,  but  praife  the 
moft  abundoned   fycophants,   who  mount  your  roftrum  •  // 
and  imagine,  that  the  intoxicate  are  greater  friends  of  the 
people  than  the  moft  fober  and  vigilant ;  and  the  rafli  and 
frantic,  better  leaders  than  the  rationally  brave  and  coura- 
geous :  in  fine,  fuch  as  fquander  away  the  public  revenues 
on  worthlefs  obje<Sls,  more  to  be  favoured  than  thofe  who 
have  lightned  the  public's  burden  by  their  own  generofity : 
fo  that  it  is  a  real  wonder,  if  any  one  can  hope,  that  our 
city  can  profper  and  flourifh  under  fuch  diredors.     I  know 
it  is  dangerous  and  difficult  to  oppofe  your  fentiments;  and 
that,  in  this  democratical  ftate,  there  is  not  a  freedom  of 
fpeech  permitted,  but  to  fuch  as  are  the  moft  imprudent^ 
and  have  no  real  benevolence  for  their  country;  and.  in 
the  theatres,  for  the  farce  and  comedy  writers.     But  what 
is  the  moft  extravagant  in  your  condua  is,  that  you  have  a 
greater  value  for  fuch  who  expofe  the  cit/'s  errors  and 
faults  to  all  Greece,  than  thofe  who  are  your  public  bene- 
faaors ;  and  have  fuch  a  rcfentment  againft  thofe  who 
blame,  and  would  corredt  you,  as  if  they  had  done  (ome: 

particular 


( 


174        The    ORATIONS 

particular  injury  to  their  country.  But  this  being  manifeftry 
(6j  yet  I  will  not  digrefs  from  my  intended  fubjed^ ;  for  I 
««m  come  hither,  not  with  a  defign  of  flattering  you,  or  to 
procure  for  myfelf  your  votes,  but  of  (hewing  my  real  fen- 
timents.  Firft,  I  {hall  mention  what  our  confuls  have  pro- 
pofed  ;  and  then  the  other  affairs  that  concern  thecit)':  for 
wefhaJl  reap  no  benefit  from  what  has  now  been  concluded 
on  in  refpefl  of  peace,  if  we  do  not  take  prudent  meafurea 
in  relation  to  the  reft  of  our  public  ceconomy. 

I  FIRST  fay,  that  we  ought  not  only  to  make  peace  with 
the  Chians,  the  Rhodians,  the  Byzantines,  and  Choans> 
but  with  all_mankind ;  and  not  continue  thofe  meafures, 
which  fome  have  counfelled,  but  ftand  by  thofe  treaties, 
which  have  been  concluded  with  the  Perfians  and  the  La- 
cedaemonians, fuffer  all  the  Greeks  to  be  free,  draw  our 
garifons  out  of  other  cities,  and  let  each  be  protected  by  its 
own  power.  None  will  ever  find  out  more  equitable  refo- 
lutions  than  thefc,  or  more  conducive  to  the  prc^erity  of 
the  city.  If  I  here  break  off  my  difcourfe,  I  know  I  fhall 
feem  to  prejudice  the  glory  of  the  city ;  if  the  Thebans  re- 
tain ThefpicC,  Plataeae,  and  the  other  cities,  which  they 
have  feized  on,  contrary  to  their  folemn  agreements,  and 
we  quit,  without  neceifity,  the  places  we  are  in  pofleflion 
of.  But  if  you  hear  me  attentively  to  the  end,  I  do  not 
doubt  but  you  will  think  all  fuch  men  guilty  of  downright 
madnefs,  who  judge  oppreflive  and  unjuft  adions  to  be 
gain ;  who  would  hold  by  violence  thofe  cities,  which  are 
the  property  of  others,  nor  forefee  the  calamities,  which 
muft  be  the  refult  of  fuch  adlions.  I  will,  through  the  whole 
difcourfe,  endeavour  to  convince  you  of  this. 

But,  firft,  let  us  confider  the  topic  of  peace,  and  reflect, 
with  attention,  what  we  would  moft  wifh  for  in  our  prefent 
circumftances  ;  for  if  we  come,  in  this  refpeft,  to  a  clear 
precifion,  and  often  caft  our  eye  back  upon  the  hypothefis, 
we  fhall  pafs  a  founder  judgment  on  the  reft.  Would  it 
not  fuffite  you,  if  we  fhould  inhabit  with  fecurity  this 
city,  abound  more  in  all  things  necefiarv  and  convenient, 

be 


I 


f-  ^ 


of    ISOCRATES.       175 

be  at  greater  concord  among  ourfelves,  and  gain  more  c* 
fteem  from  the  reft  of  Greece  ?     Certainly  it  would :  for 
it  is  my  thorough  perfuafion,  ftiould  this  be  (o^  our  citf 
would  foon  recover  its  former  flouriftiing  condition.     But 
war  has  deprived  us  of  all  thefe  goods  and  advantages  ;  it 
has  made  us  poorer,  obliged  us  to  undergo  many  dangers^ 
fet  us  at  variance  with  the  reft  of  the  Grecians,  and  has  dif- 
trefled  us  in  all  refpeds :  but  if  we  make  peace,  and  be- 
have ourfelves  as  folemn  covenants  require,  we  {hall  pofTels 
our  city  in  all  fafety,  and  be  freed  from  all  thofe  wars, 
dangers,  and  confufion,  into  which  we  have  brought  our- 
felves by  a  contrary  condutSl;  and  {hall  every  day  make 
advances  towards  a  more  flourilhing  condition,  towards^ 
I  fay,   a  greater  affluence,  be  freed  from  tributes,  {hip- 
money,  and  the  other  burdens  and  charges  of  war ;  and, 
on  the  contrary,  fafely  till  the  ground,  fail  the  feas,  and 
employ  ourfelves  again  with  chearfulnefs  in  thofe  occupa- 
tions, which  had  been  interrupted  by  the  horrors  of  war. 
We  {hall  fee  our  city's  revenues  doubled,  become  full  of 
merchants  and  ftrangers,  and  replenifhed  with  fojourners,^ 
which  it  is  now  almoft  void  of.    What  is  ftill  a  greater 
advantage,  we  fhall  have  all  mankind  our  allies,  not  by  com- 
pulfion,  but  inclination ;  not  joining  with  us  in  the  fun- 
(hine  of  profperity,  and  deferting  us  in  adverfity,  but  ad- 
hering to  us  with  that  conftancy  which  becomes  ftnccre 
friends  and  allies.     Add  to  this,  that  what  we  cannot  now 
obtain  by  war  and  expences,  we  {hall  eafily  then  obtain  by 
embaffies  and<:onventions.     Nor  imagine,  that  either  Cher- 
fobleptes  will  make  war  againft  us  for  Cherfonefus,  or  Phi- 
lip for  Amphipolis,  if  they  once  fee  us  pradifing  equity, 
and  not  ufurping  any  thing  which  is  the  right  of  another. 
Now,  they  are  not,  without  caufe,  afraid  of  having  our 
city  for  a  next  neighbour ;  for  they  fee  we  are  not  content 
tvith  our  prefent  poflefTions,  but  are  conftantly  ddiring  and 
aiming  at  more.     But  {hould  we  happily  change  our  man- 
ners, and  gain  more  efteem,  they  will  not  only  abftain  from 
our  rights,  but  make  us  fome  conceilions  from  their  own  ; 

for 


:;'        The    ORATIONS 

for  it  will  be  their  intereft,  by  guarding  the  authority  of 
our  city,  to  fecure  their  own  ftates  :  nay,  we  may  eafily 
receive  quietly  fuch  a  portion  of  land  in  Thrace,  as  not 
only  to  remedy  all  our  wants,  but  even  fupply  a  competency 
to  thofe  Greeks,  who  now  ftrole  without  fixed  habitations  i 
for  if  Athenodorus  and  Calliftratus,  tho'  one  was  a  private 
perfon,  and  the  other  a  banifhed  man,  could  found  cities, 
certainly  we,  who  are  fuoh  a  powerful  people,  may  pofiefs 
ourfelvcs  of  many  fuch  places.  Now,  it  undoubtedly  becomes 
thofe  more, who  claim  the  principality  of  Greece,  to  be  lead- 
ers in  fuch  a(5lions,  than  at  the  head  of  a  war,  fupported  by 
mercenaries,  which  we  are  at  prcfent  but  too  defirous  of» 

Concerning  what  the  cmbafladors  promife,  methinks, 
what  I  have  faid  will  fuffice,  or  perhaps  fome  others  may  add 
,from  their  own  reafoning ;  but  I  fhould  think,  you  ought 
not  only  to  leave  this  aflembly,  after  a  refolution  upon 
peace,  but  fhould  likewife  deliberate  by  what  means  we 
may  beft  preferve  it,  and  not  do  what  we  have  been  accuf- 
tomed  to  do,  that  is,  be  reduced  in  a  (hort  time  to  the  fame 
llreights  and  tumults ;  nor  how  we  may  only  gain  a  refpite, 
but  a  perfe(Sl  freedom  from  the  like  calamities.  But  nothing 
of  this  can  be  efFedlcd,  until  you  are  thoroughly  convinced, 
that  tranquillity  is  more  ufcful  and  beneficial  than  being  em- 
barraiTed  with  too  many  affairs ;  that  juflice  is  preferable  to  in* 
juftice,  and  the  care  of  your  private  affairs  to  the  coveting  of 
^  others  properties :  but  none  of  the  popular  orators  have  dared 
to  fpeak  to  you  upon  this  topic.  I  fhall  make  thefe  heads  the 
greateft  part  of  my  oration ;  for  I  fee  our  happinefs  confifis 
in  a  due  care  of  thefe,  and  not  in  what  we  are  now  rafhly 
about  putting  in  execution.  Now,  there  is  a  ncceffity,that 
he,  who  will  fpeak  out  of  the  common  track,  and  would 
change  your  fentiments,  fhould  touch  upon  many  things, 
and  protra£l  his  difcourfes  by  many  and  long  arguments, 
and  recall  fomc  a6lions  to  mind  again,  blame  fome,  praifd 
others,  and  give  advice  in  many  inflances ;  for,  by  all  thefe 
means,  it  will  be  difficult  for  any  one  to  perfuade  you  to 
keep  a  better  ceconomy.to-The  whole  affair  appears  to  me 

in 


li 


i 


of    I  S  O  G  R  A  T  E  S.         177 

in  this  light :  all  feem  to  me  aiming  after  private  emolument, 
and  that  they  may  have  more  than  others ;  tho'  they  feem 
ignorant  by  what  methods  they  can  purchafe  this,  and  there- 
fore differ  widely  in  opinion  about  them :  fome,  indeed^ 
have  very  jufl  notions,  and  fuch  as  tend  direcElly  to  happi- 
nefs ;   but  others,  fuch  as  diametrically  depart  from  it ; 
which  happens  to  this  city:  for  we  imagine,  that,  if  we  fail 
on  the  feas  with  many  gallies,  and  force  the  maritime  ci- 
ties to  fend  tribute,  as  well  as  their  refpedive  deputies,  we 
have  done  fome  notable  matter ;  but  we  miitake  the  truth : 
nothing  of  what  we  expeded  happehs ;  but  enmities,  wars, 
and  large  expences,  follow  fuch  thdughtlefs  enterprizes  ; 
and  thisjuftly  ;  for  in  preceding  times,  hy  filling  our  hands 
thus  too  full,  we  fell  into  the  utmofl  dangers;  and,  on  the 
contrary,  by  our  juft  government  of  the  city,  affifling  the 
opprefTed,  and  not  coveting  what  did  not  belong  to  us,  we 
had  the  principality  of  all  Greece  deferr*  to  our  condudl; 
tho'  we  now,  for  a  confiderable  time,  have  rafhly  defpifed 
our  countrymen :  for  fome  of  us  are  arrived  at  that  pitch 
of  folly,  that  we  think,  indeed,  injuftice  infamous,    but 
yet  profitable,  and  of  great  advantage  in  public  and  private 
life ;  that  juflice  is  indeed  honourable,  but  unprofitable,  and 
rather  conducive  to  the  good  of  others  tlian  of  the  pofTeffors; 
having  a  wrong  notion  in  believing;  that  it  can  fo  much 
benefit  towards  riches,  fame,  or  the  fuccefs  of  adions  or 
happinefs,  as  heroic  virtue,  and  its  feveral  degrees  of  per- 
fedion  :  for,  by  the  excellencies  of  the  mind,  and  its  noble 
qualities,  we  acquire  all  that  we  need  in  life.     Wherefore, 
whoever  negled  the  improvement  of  the  mind,  obferve  not, 
that  they  are  carelefs  of  the  juftnefs  of  their  fentiments,  or 
of  living  more  rationally  and  happily  than  others.     I  won- 
der, that  any  fhould  imagine,,  that  fuch  as  cultivate  pietV 
and  juflice,   fhould  partake  of  lefs   happinefs  than   the 
ftianifeftly  abandoned  and  wicked ;  and  cannot  perceive, 
that  fuch  mufl  certainly   be  more  loved  and  rewarded 
both  by  gods  and  men  :   for  I  am  fatisfied,  that  the  latter 
<>nly  obtain  true  riches,  and  the  former,  falfe  ones.     I  rea- 


/ 


s^ 


178        The    ORATIONS 

fon  in  this  manner,  on  this  account :  I  obferve,  that  fuch 
as  love  and  pradife  injuftice,  and  think  ufurpation  of  their 
neighbours  properties  the  greateft  advantage,  are  hke  wilcl 
beafts  enfnared  by  baits,  who  at  firft  enjoy  what  they  thus 
meet  with,  but  foon  after  fall  %to  the  greateft  miferies ; 
but  that  thofe,  who  live  according  to  the  rules  of  religion 
and  equity,  live  fecurely  in  this  life,  and  have  better  hopes 
in  regard  of  all  futurity :  and  if  this  is  not  vifiblc  in  all,  yet 
it  is  manifeft  in  refpedl  of  the  far  greateft  number.  Now, 
y-  \  it  becomes  all  wife  men,  fmce  we  cannot  fee  diftindlly  into 
j  futurit}^  to  chufe  what  is  moft  generally  beneficial :  but  the 
I  abfurdity  of  thofe  men  is  the  moft  flagrant,  who  allow  juf- 
tice  to  be  the  nobleft  ftudy,  and  more  acceptable  to  the  gods 
than  injuftice,  and  yet  that  fuch  as  embrace  it,  lead  more 
miferable  lives  than  fuch  as  embrace  injuftice. ^p  here  muft 
wifh,  that  it  wer^s  eafy  to  perfuade  others  to' the  practice 
of  virtue,  as  it  is  eafy  to  praife  it. 

But  I  am  afraid  that  I  fpeak  in  vain  5  for  we  have  been 
a  lon^y  time  corrupted  by  perfons,  who  are  capable  of  no- 
thing but  deception  ;  who  have  fuch  a  contempt  of  the 
people,  and  difregard  of  their  happinefs,  that,  when  they 
have  received  bribes  to  declare  war  againft  others,  they  im- 
pudently aflert,  that  we  ought  to  imitate  our  anceftors,  nor 
fuffer  ourfelves  to  be  defpifed,  or  let  fuch  fail  unmolefted  on 
the  feas,  who  will  not  pay  us  contributions.     I  would  will- 
ingly afk  of  fuch  men,  which  of  our  anceftors  they  mean ; 
whether  thofe  who  lived  in  the  Perfian  war,  or  thofe  who 
governed  the  republic  before  the  Decelic  wars  and  troubles? 
If  they  will  have  us  like  the  latter,  they  might  as  well  fay, 
that  we  ought  again  to  run  the  hazard  of  fervitude :  if  they 
will  have  us  refemble  thofe  who  conquered  at  Marathon, 
and  thofe  who  were  before  them,  how  can  they  avoid  the 
juft  imputation  of  grofs  impudence,  if  they  praife  thofe, 
and  yet  would  have  us  to  a6t  contrary  to  their  examples ; 
and  would  have  us  to  commit  again  fuch  errors,  as  I  know 
not  what  to  fay  of  ?    I  know  not  whether  I  ftiall  be  bold 
enough  to  fpeak  freely,  as  I  am  wont,  the  real  truth,  or, 

out 


/ 


4'.- 


\i 


of   I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       17^ 

out  of  fear  of  your  hatred,  hold  my  tongue.     But  it  feems 
proper  I  Ihould  treat  of  this  topic,  tho'  I  fee  you  more  of 
fended  at  fuch  as  blame  your  condud,  than  at  thofe  who 
are  authors  of  your  calamities :  but  I  fliould  be  afliamed  if 
I  confulted  my  own  reputation,  or  intereft,  more  than  the 
profperity  and  good  of  my  country.     It  is  therefore,  I  will 
dare  to  fay,  my  duty,  and  the  duty  of  others,  who  have  the 
pubhc  management,  to  compofe  not  the  moft  pleafant  but 
the  moft  profitable  orations.     You  muft  be  fenfible,'that 
many  and  various  remedies  have  been  found  for  the'  cure 
of  fuch  difeafes  as  are  incident  to  the  body  j  but,  as  for  the 
mind,  I  will  affcrt  it,  there  is  no  other  remedy  for  it,  when 
it  is  infeded  by  vice  and  error,  than  thofe  falutary' moral 
difcourfes  as  dare  blame  the  hearers.     In  the  fecond  place 
how  abfurd  is  it  to  undergo  cauftics,  and  the  furgeons  in- 
Itruments,  that  we  may  be  freed  from  pains,  and  yet  rejeft 
orations,  before  we  know  whether  they  wiU  benefit  us  or 
not? 

I  HAVE  made  this  (hort  prefatory  introdudion,  becaufe 
I  am  determmed,  in  what  follows,  to  diffemble  nothing 
but  to  fpeak  my  fentiments  with  all  freedom. 

For  who  is  there,  whofhould  come  as  a  ftranger  hither 
Who  is  uncorrupted  with  our  reigning  vices,  but  would 
conclude  we  were  adually  mad,  or  infatuated  ?  who  glory 
in,  and  boaft  of  the  aaions  of  our  anceftors,  and  write  pa 
negyrics  of  their  renown ;  butpradife  the  quite  contrary  to 
What  they  believed  their  true  glory.  They  continued  mak- 
mg  war  upon  the  Barbarians,  for  the  interefts  of  Greece  • 
but  we  have  brought  even  thofe,  who  had  eftablifted  them- 
felves  m  Afia,  agamft  our  own  countrymen.  They  freed 
the  Grecian  cities,  and,  by  their  generous  affiftance,had  the 
prmcipahty  deferred  to  their  merits :  but  we,  though  we 
enflave  them,  and  ad  diametrically  oppofite  to  our  ancef- 
tors, are  offended,  that  we  do  not  inherit  their  honours ; 
Who  are  a.  far  excelled  by  them  of  thofe  times,  both  in  our 
mmds  and  adions,  as  it  was  glorious  for  them  to  quit  their' 
aative  city  for  public  good,  and  beat  the  Barbarians  by  fea 

N  2  and 


■  \] 


«/ 


i8o       The    O  R  A  t  I  0  N  S 

and  land ;  but  we  are  unwilling  to  run  the  hazard  of  fettle 
for  our  own  advantages ;  and  we  exped  to  be  placed  at  the 
head  of  all,  tho*  we  dare  not  in  perfon  to  appear  in  the 
.field  :  and  the'  we  are  rafh  enough  to  proclaim  war  ag,ainft 
all  mankind,  yet  we  take  no  precaution  in  exercifing  and 
preparing  ourfelves  for  it ;  nay,   for  this  intent,  we  chufe 
fu2;itives,    banifhed  men,    renegadoes,  and  others  ftained 
with  all  manner  of  crimes,  who,  did  any  one  offer  then^ 
larger  pay,  would  as  willingly,  if  not  more  fo,  fight  againft 
us  ;  but  yet  we  cowardly  pay  them  fuch  refped,  that  tho*" 
they  {hould  violate  our  very  children,  yet  we  are  afraid  of 
inflicting  juft  punifhment  on  them  :  and  when  accufations 
come  to  us  againft  them  for  rapine,  oppreflion,  and  inju- 
rious arrogance,  we  do  not  refent  it,  but  take  pleafure  when 
we  hear  they  ad  in  a  fcandalous  manner.     We  are,  in 
fhort,  advanced  to  fuch  an  extravagance  of  folly,  that,  tho' 
we  want  a  daily  competency,  yet  we  will  maintain  ftran- 
gers,  and  plunder  and  lay  taxes  on  our  allies  and  colonies, 
►  Siat  we  may  pay  our  common  enemies.     In  fine,  we  are 
^  fo  much  degenerated  not  only  from  our  famous  anceftors, 
but  even  thofe  who  were  hated,  that  the  latter,  when  they 
declared  a  war  againft  an  enemy,  tho'  the  treafury  was  full 
of  filver  and  gold,  yet  would  run  the  hazards  of  war  in 
their  own  perfons  s  whereas  we,  tho'  we  are  in  fuch  vifible 
poverty,  and  have  fuch  a  number  of  idle  hands,  yet,  like  the 
oriental  monarch,  truft  our  battles  to  hirelings.     They,  if 
they  judged  proper  to  man  their  gallies,  made  ftrangers  and 
flaves  their  galley-rowers ;  but  they  fent  out  their  citizens  in 
compleat  armour :  on  the  contrary,  we  make  ufe  of  fo- 
reigners as  foldiers,  and  force  our  citizens  to  work  our 
fhips,  and  row,  as  I  faid  before,  our  gallies;  fothatthofe^ 
who  claim  precedency  and  command  over  others,  when  at 
any  time  they  make  a  defcent  upon  the  enemies  territories, 
come  to  (hore  as  galley-flaves  ;  but  the  foreign  mercenaries 
appear  as  defervedly  well-armed  foldiers. 

Now,  ihould  anyone  perceive  the  civil  affairs  of  the 

city  managed  with  a  wife  oeconomy,  perhaps  he  might  hope 

::  well 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       iSi 

well  upon  that  account  of  the  reft  ;  but,  upon  this  account, 
he  has  moft  reafon  to  be  dejedled.  Certainly,  it  becomes  us, 
we  who  glory  in  being  the  original  inhabitants  of  this  coun- 
try, and  to  have  firft  inhabited  this  city,  it  becomes  us  to 
fet  an  example  to  all  of  a  regular  and  well-ordered  govern- 
ment ;  but  we  manage  our  affairs  worfe,  and  in  a  more 
confufed  manner,  than  thofe  who  have  lately  been  formed 
into  a  colony  :  nay,  we  affed  grandeur,  and  nobility  of  ex-r 
tradlion,  and  yet  we  communicate  more  freely  to  foreigners 
this  natural  pretended  honour,  than  even  the  Treballi  and 
Leucani  the  privileges  of  their  obfcure  country.    Tho'  we 
have  a  multiplicity  of  laws,  we  fo  little  heed  them  (for  if  you 
but  hear  one  proof,  you  may  judge  of  the  reft),  that  tho' 
bribery  in  a  court  of  juftice  is  condemned  to  death,  if 
clearly  proved,  yet  we  chufe,  too  often,  notorious  offenders 
for  generals,  and  put  that  perfon  at  the  head  of  affairs,  who 
is  moft  capable  of  fpreading  the  infedtion  of  corruption  the 
wideft :  and  tho'  we  affedt  our  prefent  ftate  of  government, 
as  if  the  entire  fafety  of  the  city  confifted  in  it,  yet  WjC  are 
fenfible,  that  our  democracy  has  flourifhed  in  peace  and 
public  tranquillity,  but  has  twice  been  dillblved  by  wars,   V 
we  are,  notwithftanding,  angry  with  thofe  who  counfel  us 
to  keep  peace,  as  affecting  an  oligarchy ;  and  imagine  thofe 
who  incline  you  to  war,  lovers  of  a  republic  and  liberty. 
Tho'  we  are  the  moft  experienced  in  eloquence  and  public     ^ 
events,  yet  we  behave  fo  foolifhly,  that  we  continue  not 
an  entire  day  in  the  fame  fentiments^  but  even  vote  in  our 
public  affemblies  for  the  very  thing  which  we  had  feparately 
blamed  ;  and,  again,  a  little  time  after,  when  we  are  at 
home,  we  condemn  what  we  our  ownfelves  gave  fanClio^ 
to :  and  tho'  we  lay  claim  to  diftinguifhed  prudence,  yet 
we  make  ufe  of  fuch  counfellors,  as  any  wife  man  would 
have  in  contempt ;  and  truft  the  national  affairs  to  fuch, 
as  no  one  would  truft  with  his  private  affairs.     But  the  laft  ^ 
inftance  of  our  degeneracy  is,  that  we  judge  the  moft  pjq- 
fligate  the  propereft  guardians  of  the  ftate  ;  and  though  we 
think  our  inmates  like  the  patrons  whom  they  chufe,  yet 

N  3  wc 


i82       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

wc  imagine  we  fhall  not  be  thought  to  refemble  thofe,  whom 
we  fo  inconfiderately  promote ;  nay,  we  are  (o  different  from 
our  anceftors,  that  tho'  they  elected  the  fame  perfons  both 
governors  of  the  city  and  generals  of  their  armies,  becaufe, 
they  judged,  that  fuch  as  fpoke  mofl  prudently  in  the  rof- 
trum,  would  probably  reafon  the  mofl  wifely  by^themfelves; 
yet  wc  are  fo  far  from  doing  fo,  that  we  vouchfafe  to  chufe, 
for  generals,  thofe  whom  we  fufFer  not  to  be  counfellors  in 
momentous  affairs,  as  if  they  had  not  proper  qualifications 
and  underftanding ;  and  we  fend  out,  with  abfolutc  power, 
tiiofe  whom  none  would  take  the  advice  of,  either  in  regard 
of  private  or  public  concerns,  as  if  they  would  become 
wifer  abroad,  and  would  take  prudenter  meafures  for  the 
common  good  of  all,  than  for  the  execution  of  what  is  pro* 
pofed  in  this  fenate. 

I  SAY  not  this  of  all,  but  of  thofe  who  are  guilty  of  what 

I  have  laid  before  you.     I  fhould  fpend  all  the  remainder  of 

the  day,  if  I  endeavoured  to  enumerate  all  the  tranfgref* 

fions,  all  the  errors,  in  refpedl  of  our  public  adlions  :  per* 

haps,  fome  one  of  thofe,  who  are  mofl  guilty  of  what  I 

have  faid,  will  afk,  with  indignation.  How  then,  if  we  con-» 

fult  the  public  interefl  fo  carelefsly,  are  we  dill  preferved, 

and  have  equal  power  with  any  other  city  ?     I  anfwer,  we 

have  antagonifls,  who  confult  their  own  good  no  better  than 

ourfelves  -,  for  if  the  Thebans,  after  their  conquefl  of  the 

Lacedaemonians,  having  freed  Peloponnefus,  and  left  the 

other  Greeks  the  exercife  of  their  own  laws,  had  continued 

quiet,  and  we  had  committed  fuch  grofs  faults,  the  mouths 

of  my  interrogators  would  have  been  clofed,and  we  (hould 

have  been  made  fenfible  how  much  better  it  is  to  a6l  with 

moderation,  than  be  engaged  in  too  many  affairs.     Now, 

things  are  in  fuch  a  condition,  that  the  Thebans  faved  us, 

and  we,  in  turn,  the  Thebans ;  and  they,  in  fome  mear 

fure,  make  us  their  allies,  and  we  them  :  fo  that,  were  we 

hoth  prudent,  we  (hould  bribe  each  other  to  call  frequent 

aflemblies  ;,for  thofe  who  mofl  frequently  do  fo,  are  the 

caufe,  that  their  j:ivals  improve  the  flate  of  ijieir  affairs.  But 

certainly 


of    I  S  O  G  R  A  T  E  S. 


183 


certainly  it  behoves  thofe,  who  have  the  leafl  fhare  of  wif- 
dom,  not  to  place  their  hopes  in  their  adverfaries  miflakes, 
.but  in  their  own  adlions  and  minds ;  for  whatever  good 
may  befall  us  by  others  ignorance,  itjnay  fortuitouHy  have 
an  end,  or  be  changed  ;  but  what  good  happens  to  us  by 
our  own  conduct,  will  be  more  folid  and  lafling. 

Now,  it  is  no  difficult  matter  to  refute  cavillers ;  but  if 
any  one  of  thofe,  who  fland  by,  and  are  of  a  more  mode- 
rate difpofition,  fhould  fay,  I  fpeak  truth,  and  juflly  blame 
our  acSlions;  yet  fhould  add,  it  were  butjufl,  that  a  bene- 
volent corrector  would  not  only  blame  our  mifmanagementi 
but  fhew  how,  by  abflaining  from  fome  things,  and  purfuing 
others,  we  may  amend  our  difpofition,  and  put  an  end  to 
our  faults  :  this  reafoning  would  puzzle  me,  not  only  to 
give  a  true  and  beneficial  anfwer  to,  but  fuch  a  one  as 
would  be  agreeable  to  your  inclinations.  Wherefore,  fince 
I  have  begun  to  fpeak  clearly,  I  mufl  not  delay  here  to 
open  my  fentiments  on  this  head.  I  think  I  have  men-  6  "S 
tioned  before,  that  it  becomes  them,  who  would  be  truly 
happy,  to  be  pofleffed  of  piety,  temperance,  juflice,  and  other 
virtues.  Now,  tho'  I  am  going  to  lay  down  a  true  method 
how  we  may  be  the  foonefl  inflru£led  in,  and  poffeffed  of 
thefe  virtues,  yet  what  I  fhall  fay  may  appear  offenfive  to 
fome,  and  differ  widely  from  the  fentiments  of  othersxj 
judge  therefore,  that  we  fhall  govern  our  commonwealth 
more  prudently,  be  better  ourfelves,  and  be  more  profpe- 
rous  in  our  affairs,  if  we  quit  our  claim  to  the  fovereignty  j^ 
of  the  feas  ;)  for  this  claim  is  the  caufe  which  has  thrown  us 
into  our  prefent  troubles,  and  has  diffolved  the  democracy, 
during  which  our  anceflors  were  the  happiefl  of  all  Greece, 
and  indeed  has  been,  I  will  affirm  it,  the  caufe  of  almofl  all  ^ 
the  calamities  we  undergo  ourfelves,  or  have  brought  others 
into.  I  know  how  difficult  it  is  for  him,  who  accufes  a 
form  of  government  beloved  of  all,  and  vindicated  by  war, 
to  be  thought  to  advance  any  thing  reafonable  5  yet,  fincc  ^ 
you  have  borne  with  what  has  been  faid  before,  which  was 
true,  but  liable  to  odium,  I  beg  of  you,  that  you  will  hear 

N  4  what 


i84       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

what  I  have  now  to  fay,  nor  condemn  me  of  fuch  folly,  aff 
to  advance  before  you  paradoxes  incredible,  unlefs  I  could 
give  a  demonftration  of  the  truth  of  my  proportions.  Now, 
i  believe  I  can  evidence  that  we  neither  defire  a  juft  power, 
or  fuch  a  one  as  is  poflible,  or  would  be  ufeful  to  us. 

That  we  defire  what  is  unjuft,  I  can  convince  you  by 
your  own  behaviour ;  for  when  the  Lacedaemonians  held 
the  fame  power,  what  declamations  did  we  not  make,  whilft 
we  accufed  their  dominion,  and  faid  loudly,  that  all  the  Gre- 
cians ought  to  be  governed  by  their  own  laws  ?  What  cities 
of  Greece  did  we  not  invite  to  our  alliance,  when  we  purr 
pofed  to  make  war  againft  them  upon  this  account  ?  How 
many  embaifies  did  wc  fend  to  the  great  king,  to  inform 
him,  that  it  was  not  juft  or  profitable,  that  one  Grecian  city 
fhould  be  miftrefs  of  all  others  ?  Nor  did  we  defift  from 
carrying  on  war  both  by  fea  and  land,  till  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians confented  to  the  univerfal  liberty  of  Greece.  That  it 
is  not  therefore  equitable,  the  ftronger  fhould  lord  it  over 
the  weaker,  we  were  fenfible  at  that  time,  and  are  fo  now 
by  the  ceconomy  of  our  prefent  republic. 

And  that  we  cannot  eflablifh  fuch  a  power,  I  think,  I 
can  quickly  demonftrate :  for  if,  when  our  treafury  con- 
ta'^ied  a  thoufand  talents,  we  could  not  maintain  it,  how 
fhall  we,  in  our  prefent  indigence,  acquire  fuch  a  fove- 
reignty  ?  efpecially  fmce  we  follow  the  very  inflitutes  and 
morals  by  which  we  loft,  and  not  obtained  it. 

But  that  it  is  not  even  expedient  to  accept  it,  were  it 
offered  us,  I  think  you  may  hence  eafily  perceive  your- 
felves.  But  I  chufe  to  fpeak  briefly  on  this  head  ;  for  I 
am  afraidj  left  I  ftiould  feem  difpofed  to  fatirize  our  city, 
becaufe  I  am  often  obliged  to  blame  your  condudl :  and  did 
I  fpeak  in  this  manner  before  others  of  our  mal-adminiftra- 
tion,  I  fhould  juftly  incur  the  cenfure  ;  but,  fpeaking  thus 
only  to  you,  I  do  not  defire  to  traduce  you  to  ftrangers,  but 
perfuade  you  to  abftain  from  difgraceful  actions,  and  ^fta- 
blifh  peace  (to  promote  which  I  have  made  this  difcourfe), 
not  only  in  refped  of  our  country,  but  of  all  Greece.     Yet 

there 


}: 


7M 


*^1 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       1% 

there  is  a  neceflity,  that  they  who  admonifh  as  well  as  ac- 
cufe,  fhould  ufe  fimilar  words,  but  fuch  as  will  have  very 
different  fenfes.  Wherefore  you  ought  not  to  judge  in  the 
like  manner  of  thofe  who  ufe  the  fame  expreflions ;  but  de- 
teft  thofe  who  injurioufly  reproach  you,  as  ill-afFedlioned  to 
the  city  :  on  the  contrary,  praife  fuch  as  admonifh  you  for  . 

your  good,  and  think  them  better  than  other  citizens  ;  and  /^ 
him  the  very  beft,  who  can  moft  clearly  demonftrate  bad 
adtions,  and  fnew  the  calamities  which  arife  from  them :  for 
fuch  a  one  will  moft  eafily  make  you  hate  what  you  ought, 
and  love  what  is  eligible.  As  for  the  harfhnefs  of  my  pre- 
ceding words,  as  well  as  of  thofe  I  may  ufe  hereafter,  I 
hope  this  will  ferve  as  an  apology, 

I  WILL  begin  again  where  I  broke  ofF.  I  faid,  you  would 
hence  have  the  jufteft  idea,  that  it  is  not  expedient  we  fhould 
retain  the  fovcreignty  of  the  feas,  if  you  confider  the  ad- 
miniftration  of  our  city  before  the  poffeffion  of  this  power, 
and  its  difordered  condition  afterwards  :  I  fay,  if  you  con- 
fider this  in  a  parallel  view,  you  will  perceive  how  many  ca- 
lamities it  has  been  the  fource  of  to  our  city ;  for  it  is  certain, 
that  the  then  republic  was  as  far  better  than  the  prefent,  as 
Ariftides,  Themiftocles,  and  Miltiades,  were  mpre  excellent 
men  than  Hyperbolus  and  Cleophantes,  who  now  harangue 
the  people.  You  will  alfo  find  the  people  who  then  had  the 
power,  neither  additSled  to  floth,^  diftreffed  by  poverty,  or 
filled  with  vain  hopes ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  capable  of  con- 
quering all  who  invaded  their  country,  and  worthy  to  have 
deferved  the  chief  honours  for  defending  Greece ;  and  fo  dif- 
tinguifhed  by  their  probity,  that  many  cities  put  themfelves 
voluntarily  under  their  protection.  But  things  having  been 
formerly  in  this  condition,  by  fuch  a  wife  condudt^  this 
ufurped  power  has  brought  us  into  fuch  a  vicious  ftate,as  no 
man  will  ever  praife ;  and  tho*,  by  that  form  of  govern- 
ment, we  conquered  all  the  enemies  who  dared  to  invade 
us,  our  prefent  mifmanagement  has  fo  debafed  our  citizens, 
that  they  even  dare  not  meet  their  enemies  before  their 
pwn  walls  3  and,  inftead  of  that  benevolence  of  our  allies 

towards 


^S 


l86       The    ORATIONS 

towards  us,  and  that  glory  fpread  over  all  Greece,  we  are 
fallen  into  fuch  odium,  that  our  city  was  like  to  have  been 
taken,  had  we  not  experienced  the  Lacedaemonians,  who, 
in  the  beginning,  had  war  with  us,  more  benevolent  than 
thofe  who  before  had  been  our  allies;  whom  we  cannot  ac- 
cufejuftly  of  having  a  malignant  difpofition  towards  us: 
for  they  were  not  aggreflbrs,  but  repelled  'our  injuries,  and, 
after  having  fufFered  many  calamities,  took  fuch  a  refent- 
ment  againft  us.  And  who  could  poffibly  have  borne  with 
the  arrogancy  of  our  fathers  ?  who,  colledling  out  of  all 
Greece  the  idleft,  moil  cowardly,  and  thofe  ftained  with  all 
manner  of  villainies,  filled  with  this  fcum  their  fleets,  and 
expofed  themfelves  to  the  odium  of  all  the  Grecians  ;  nay, 
expelled  the  \ery  beft  in  other  cities,  and  gave  away  theij- 
inheritances  to  the  very  bafeft.  But,  did  I  dare  to  lay  open 
all  that  was  done  in  thofe  times,  perhaps  I  might  efFedl",  that 
you  would  take  prudenter  meafures  for  the  future ;  but  I 
ihould  certainly  thereby  expofe  myfelf  to  an  accufation : 
for  you  are  accuftomed  to  hate  the  perfons  who  repre- 
hend crimes,  more  than  thofe  who  are  the  very  authors  of 
them  ;  wherefore,  fmce  you  are  of  fuch  a  difpofition,  I  am 
afraid,  left,  while  I  endeavour  to  do  you  good,  I  may  fuf- 
fer  evil  for  it  myfelf;  yet  I  will  not  entirely  defift  from 
what  I  defigned  to  fay ;  but  I  will  omit  thofe  things  which 
are  the  moft  grievous,  and  would  wound  your  delicacy,  and 
I  fhall  only  mention  fuch  actions,  whereby  you  may  per- 
ceive the  ftupidity  and  folly  of  thofe  who  had  then  the  reins 
of  government :  for  they  fo  diligently  fludied  what  would 
render  them  odious,  that  they  decreed  the  money  arifmg 
from  taxes,  after  they  had  divided  it  into  talents,  ihould  be 
expended  upon  the  orcheftra  of  the  Bacchanals.  When 
the  theatre  was  full,  they  did  what  I  have  mentioned,  and 
introduced  the  children  of  thofe  who  had  fallen  in  war ; 
ihewing,  to  their  allies,  the  lucre  they  had  gained  by  hire- 
lings, and,  to  all  the  other  Greeks,  the  multitude  of  or- 
.phans,  and  the  other  calamities,  which  had  befallen  by  their 

avarice  and  injuftice :  and,  a<Sing  in  this  mannsr,  they  rec- 
koned 


S, 


!^^' 


fef    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  F  S.        187 

toned  the  city  fortunate,  and  many  thoughtlefs  perfons  be- 
lieved fo  too.     Thus  they  had  no  forefight  of  what  would 
happen  upon  this  account,  but  admired  and  praifed  the  un- 
juft  riches  which  came  into  the  city,  and  were  fhortly  to 
moth-eat  and  deftroy  thofe  which  had  been  juftly  acquired; 
nay,  they  fell  at  laft  into  fuch  a  negledfc  of  their  domeftic 
affairs,  and  an  infatiable  thirft  after  what  belonged  to  others, 
that,  tho'  the  Lacedaemonians  had  invaded  their  lands,  and 
the  Decelic  wall  was  built,  they  manned  their  gallies  for  Si- 
cily, nor  were  afhamed,  while  they  fufFered  their  own 
country  to  be  torn  and  plundered,  to  fend  an  army  againft 
thofe  who  had  never  injured  us ;  nay,  they  even  came  to 
jthat  pitch  of  frenzy,  that,  tho'  they  were  not  mafters  of 
their  own  fuburbs,  they  hoped  to  govern  Italy,  Sicily,  and 
Carthage,     They,  at  laft,  fo  far  exceeded  all  mankind  in 
madnefs,  that,  tho'  others  are  apt  to  be  humbled  and  ren- 
dered moderate  by  adverfities,  they  were  not  correded  by 
this,  altho'  they  fell  into  more  calamities,  while  they  held 
the  fovereignty  of  the  feas,  than  had  ever  befallen  the  city 
in  all  former  times.     Two  hundred  of  our  fhips,  which 
failed  into  Egypt,  were  all  loft  or  deflroyed ;  at  Cyprus 
there  perifhed  a  hundred  and  fifty  5  they  loft  in  Pontus  ten 
thoufand  native  foldiers  and  allies  ;  but,  in  Sicily,  they  loft 
forty  thoufand  men,  and  two  hundred  and  forty  gallies ; 
and,  laftly,  in  the  Hellefpont,  two  hundred.     But  were  I  to 
mention  the  other  (hips  which  perifhed,  five  or  ten  ata 
time,  or  thofe  men  that  were  flain,  to  the  amount  of  one 
or  two  thoufand,  it  would  be  an  endlefs  labour.     Thus, 
thefe  calamities  and  deaths  happening  in  an  annual  circle, 
they  raifed  fepulchres  yearly ;  to  which  flocked  crouds  of 
neighbours  and  other  Greeks,  not  with  an  intention  of  la- 
menting the  dead,  but  to  exult  with  joy  at  our  misfortunes  ; 
yet  they  were  ignorant  all  this  while,  that  they  were  not  only 
filling  the  public  fepulchres  with  the  bodies  of  citizens,  but 
the  tribes  and  companies,  with  inmates  and  foreigners.  Wc 
may  know  from  hence  the  multitude  of  thofe  who  perifhed ; 
for  we  (hall  find,  that  the  chief  and  nobleft  families,  which 

ha4 


i88       The    ORATIONS 

had  furvived  tyrannical  faaions,  and  the  Perfian  war,  weri 
entirely  ruined  by  that  government,  which  we  are  fo  defi- 
rous  of.     Wherefore,  if  any  one  would  confider  the  reft, 
and  ref^r  all  to  this  as  an  example,  we  fhall  appear  another 
people  ;  for  we  ought  not  to  judge  that  city  happy,  which 
X    colleds  a  number  of  citizens  from  all  fides,  but  which  pre- 
ferves,  with  all  care,  thofe  who  held  it  from  the  beginning  : 
we  ought  not  to  emulate  fuch  as  feize  upon  a  tyrannical 
power,  or  fuch  as  ftretch  their  authority  beyond  equity; 
but  fuch  as  are  indeed  worthy  of  the  greateft  honour,"  yet 
contented  with  the  free,  honorary  rewards  of  the  people. 
^.O^No  private  pcrfon,  no  city  can  acquire  either  a  better,  a 
fefer,  or  more  dcfirablc  power  than  this ;  by  which  rule 
thofe  conduding  themfclves,  who  were  cotemporary  with 
the  Perfian  war,  did  not  live  like  robbers ;  fometimes  hav- 
ixig  more  than  enough,  and,  at  others,  being  to  ftruggle 
with  want  of  bread,  and  involved  in  fieges,  and  the  greateft 
of  calamities:  but  they  had  neither  a  fcarcity  of  daily  food, 
nor  fuperfluity,  and  gloried  in  the  equity  of  their  admini- 
,ftration,  their  perfonal  virtues,   and  the  enjoyment  of  a 
happier  life  than  others ;  which  their  pofterity  negleding, 
did  not  endeavour  to  maintain  the  principality,  but  inveft 
•themfelves  with  tyranny  ;  which  feems  to  be  near  the  fame, 
but  is  widely  different :  for  it  is  the  duty  of  rulers  to  make 
their  fubjeas  happier  by  their  care ;  but  it  is  the  cuftom  of 
^    tyrants  to  procure  themfelves  pleafures  by  the  pains  ai)d  labour 
of  other  men.  Now,  there  is  a  neceflity,  that  thofe  who  at- 
tempt fuch  adions,  fhould  fall  in  the  damages  attending  on 
tyrants,  and  fuffer  themfelves  what  they  make  others  fufFer  2 
which  has  happened  to  our  city;  for,  inftead  of  garifoning 
other  towns,  they  have  feen  others  mafters  of  that  which 
belongs  to  them ;  inftead  of  receiving  the  children  of  others 
for  hoftages,  which  were  taken  from  their  parents,  many  of 
the  citizens  were  forced,  during  the  fiege,  to  inftrud  and 
educate  their  children  in  a  worfe  manner  than  was  becom- 
ing ;  and,  inftead  of  tilling  the  lands  of  others,  it  was  not 
permitted  them,  for  fome  years,  even  to  fee  their  own.  Now, 

fliould 


of    I  S  O  G  R  A  T  E  S/      iSy 

Ihould  any  one  alk  us,  if,  reigning  for  fuch  a  time,  we 
Would  bear  to  fee  our  city  in  this  deplorable  cafe  ?  Who  is 
he,  except  he  be  entirely  mad,  or  regards  neither  the  reli- 
gious rites,  his  parents,  his  children,  or  any  thing  elfe  be- 
side that  time  he  lives  in,  who  would  dare  to  give  his  aflent  ? 
None  of  thofe  fentiments  ought  we  to  approve,  but  much 
rather  theirs^  who  have  taken  all  poftible  care  of  the  ftate, 
and  contended  not  more  earneftly  for  their  own  than  for. 
the  public  glory  ;  who,  in  fine,  chufe  a  moderate  life  with 
juftice,  rather  than  great  riches  with  injuftice  :  for  our  an- 
ceftors,  by  behaving  themfelves  thus,  tranfmitted  down  to 
their  pofterity  a  moft  flouriftiing  republic,  and  left  an  im- 
mortal remembrance  of  their  virtues.     From  whence  we 
may  learn  both  thefe  truths,  that  our  country  can  produce 
more  excellent  men  than  any  other  can,  and  this  govern- 
ment, as  it  is  called,  tho'  in  reality  a  detriment,  is  natu- 
rally difpofed  to  make  all  thofe  the  worfe  who  ufe  it.    This 
is  the  greateft  proof;  for  it  has  not  only  corrupted  ours, 
but  the  Lacedaemonian  city ;  fo  that  thofe  who  were  ac- 
cuftomed  to  praife  their  virtues,  cannot  fpeak  in  this  man- 
ner ;  that  we,  upon  account  of  being  fubjeded  to  popular 
power,  have  managed  our  affairs  ill,  but  that,  had  the  La- 
cedemonians the  fame  power,  they  would  have  made  o- 
thers  and  themfelves  happy;  for  it  has  more  quickly  fhewn 
its  nature  in  them:  it  has  not  only  fhaken,  but  was  near 
entirely  diffolving  that  polity,  which  none  ever  knew,  dur- 
ing feven  hundred  years,  to  have  been  either  moved  by  dan- 
gers or  lofles ;  for,  inftead  of  their  accuftomary  manners, 
it  has  filled  the  people  with  injuftice,  idlenefs,  negle£t  of 
laws,  and  avarice,  and  the  whole  community  with  con- 
tempt  of  allies,  defire  of  others  property,  fetting  light  by 
oaths  and  covenants :    for  they  fo  far  exceeded  ours  in 
tranfgreflions  againft  the  Greeks,  that,  befides  what  had 
happened  before,  they  added  malTacres  and  feditions ;  where- 
by the  Greeks  entertain,  amongft  one  another,  irreconcile- 
able  enmities ;  and  they  became  fuch  lovers  of  war  and  ha- 
zards, though,  in  former  times,  they  had  more  cautioufly 

avoided 


^^ 


^-1 


190       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

avoided  Tuch  things,  that  they  neither  abftained  their  hanJa 
from  their  allies  or  benefadors  ;  but  tho*  the  king  had  fup- 
plied  them  with  above  a  thoufand  talents,  and  the  Chians, 
as  their  readieft  allies,  had  fought  with  their  naval  forces  in 
concert  with  them,  and  the  Thebans  had  contributed  greatly 
to  their  land-forces  ;  yet  they  no  fooner  gained  the  princi- 
pality, but  they  laid  fnarcs  for  the  Thebans,  fent  an  army 
and  Clearchus  againft  the  king,  drove  the  chief  citizens  of 
Chios  into  banifhment,  and  carried  ofF  by  violence  all  their 
gallies  from  the  havens.     This  did  not  fuffice  them ;  but, 
at  the  fame  time,  they  laid  wafte  the  continent,  infulted  the 
iflands,  annihilated  the  republics  conflituted  in  Italy  and 
Sicily,  and  erected  monarchies :  they  aiflidcd  Peloponne- 
fus,  and  filled  it  with  wars  and  feditions.     Againft  what 
city  did  they  not  march  their  armies  ?  and  what  allies  did 
they  not  injure  ?    Did  they  not  take  from  the  Eleans  a  part 
of  their  lands  ?  did  they  not  plunder  the  territory  of  Co- 
rinth ?  feparate  the  Mantineans  into  villages  ?  fack  the  city 
of  the  Phliafians  ?  invade  the  country,of  the  Argives  ?  or  did 
they^ver  defift  from  injuring  others,  and  preparing  for  them- 
felves  the  calamity  at  Leudlra  ?  which  defeat  fome  afiirm, 
though  not  truly,  to  be  the  caufe  of  all  their  miferies  j  for 
they  did  not  become  odious  to  their  allies  for  this,  but  for 
their  infults  in  former  times ;  they  were  conquered  in.  the 
battle,  and  were  in  danger  of  lofmg  their  own  country. 
We  ought  not  to  refer  the  caufe  to  tliofe  calamities  which 
happened  in  the  end,  but  to  thefe  mifdemeanours  which 
brought  them  to  this  conclufion.     Wherefore,  would  not  a 
perfon  fpeak  more  truly,  fhould  he  affirm,  that  the  origin 
of  their  calamities  was  derived  from  acquiring  the  fove- 
Xeignty  of  the  feas,  and  a  power  that  was  different  from 
what  they  had  before  ?  for,  by  the  difcipline  of  their  land- 
government,  and  the  patience  of  labour  which  they  exer* 
cifcd  in  it,  they  eafily  obtained  the  fovereignty  of  the  feas  : 
but,  by  their  infolence,  which  came  to  them  with  this 
power,  they  were  deprived  of  their  former  authority ;  for 
they  no  longer  obferved  the  laws,  which  they  had  received 

from 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S.        191 

From  their  anceftors,  nor  remained  conftant  in  thofe  infti* 
ilutes  which  they  had  kept  before;  but,  whilft  they  thought 
they  might  a<Sl  as  they  pleafed,  they  fell  into  many  troubles : 
for  they  did  not  reflect  how  intractable  a  thing  that  power  is 
which  all  defire,  and  how  it  renders  delirious  thofe  who 
love  it ;  nor  that  it  is  of  the  difpofition  of  thofe  miftrefles, 
who  allure  us  indeed  to  love  them,  but  ruin  thofe  who  con- 
tinue to  adhere  to  them.  It  is  evident,  that  it  has  this  effe£t ; 
for  any  one,  by  the  example  of  us  and  the  Lacedaemonians, 
may  fee,  that  thofe  who  have  acquired  the  greateft  power, 
have  fallen  into  the  greateft  diftrefles.    Thofe  cities,  which 
before  governed  with  the  greateft  moderation,  and  obtained 
the  brighteft  glory,  as  foon  as  they  acquired  fuch  power,  and 
received  the  fovereignty,  no  ways  differed  from  each  other  ; 
but,  after  the  manner  of  thofe  who  are  infeded  with  the 
fame  lufts  and  diforders,  they  attempted  the  fame  crimes, 
fell  into  the  fame  vices,  and,  at  length,  fuffered  the  fame 
Calamities :  for  we,  having  become  odious  to  our  allies,  were 
in  danger  of  captivity,  and  were  faved  by  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians ;  and  they,  when  all  fought  their  ruin,  found  a  re- 
fuge in  us.     Now,  who  can  praife  a  power  which  has  fuch 
fatal  events  ?  Why  fhould  we  not  hate  and  avoid  it,  which 
inclined  both  cities  to  commit  fuch  grievous  actions,  and 
brought  them  to  fuffer  fuch  miferies  ?  Nor  is  it  to  be  won- 
dered at,  if  formerly  all  were  ignorant,  that  this  power  was 
a  fource  of  fuch  diftreffes  to  thofe  who  poffeffed  it,  or  was 
fought  for  by  war,  both  by  us  and  the  Lacedaemonians. 
You  will  find  moft  of  mankind  to  err  in  the  choice  of 
things,  and  be  difordered  by  more  ftrong  defires  of  what  is 
bad  than  good,  and  counfel  their  enemies  better  than  them- 
felves.     This  may  be  feen  in  the  greateft  affairs.     What 
does  not  happen  in  this  manner  ?     Did  we  not  chufe  to  do 
fuch  things,  as  rendered  the  Lacedaemonians  mafters  of 
Greece ;  and  they  adminiftered  their  affairs  fo  ill,  that  we 
not  many  years  after,  as  it  were,  emerged,  and  were  made 
arbitrators  of  their  fafety  ?    Did  not  the  fedulity  of  thofe, 
who  favoured  the  Attic  party,  caufe  cities  to  join  the  La- 

cedsemonians ; 


\  ^ 


19a       The     ORATIONS 

cedaemonlans ;  and  the  infolence  of  the  Lacedaemonian^ 
oblige  them  to  revert  to  us  ?     Did  not  the  very  people^ 
upon  account  of  the  improbity  of  the  public  orators,  wifh 
for  that  oligarchy,  which  was  conftituted  in  the  time  of  the 
four  hundred  ?  and  were  not  all  of  us  made  more  popular 
in  our  inclinations  for  the  madneG  of  the  thirty  tyrants, 
than  even  thofe  who  feized  Phyle  ?     Now,  even  in  fmall 
things,  and  daily  life,  we  may  perceive  many  perfons,  who 
are  pleafed  with  fuch  meats  and  exercifes  as  prejudice  body 
and  mind ;  who  think  laborious  and  hard  what  benefits 
both  ;  and  who  judge  thofe  men  of  refolution,  that  conti- 
nue in  fuch  perverfe  inftitutes  and  manners^     If  therefore, 
in   thefe    very  things  which  men  are  converfant   about, 
and  take  more  care  of,  it  is  clear  they  chufe  the  worfe, 
what  wonder,  if  they  miftake  in  the  affair  of  maritime  em- 
pire, and  wage  war  with  one  another  for  what  they  ne- 
ver reafoned  about  the  nature  of  ?     Obfervcj   how  many 
lovers  monarchies  raifed  in  free  cities  have  who  are  ready 
to  fufFer  any  thing  to  obtain  them.     Are  they  not,  as  foori 
as  they  have  acquired  them,  involved  in  fuch  calamitiesy 
that  they  are  forced  to  make  war  agalnft  all  the  citizens 
and  hate  thofe  who  never  did  them  an  injury  ?  diftrufl  their 
friends  and  allies  ?  truft  the  fafety  of  their  bodies  to  the 
faith  of  mercenaries,  whom  they  are  ignorant  of,  and  be 
in  no  lefs  apprehenfion  from  thofe  who  guard  them,  thari 
thofe  who  lay  ambufcides  for  them  ;  nay,  be  of  fuch  a  fuf- 
picious  temper,  that,  while  they  are  in  company  with  their 
moft  intimate  acquaintance,  be  ftill  diffident  ?  for  they  very 
well  know,  that  thofe  who  made  themfelves  defpotic  before 
them,  perifhed,  fome  of  them  by  their  parents,   fome  by 
their  children,  fome  by  their  brothers,  and  others  by  their 
wives  J  and  their  race  was  exterminated  from  the  face  of 
the  earth :  yet  they  voluntarily  expofed  themfelves  to  fo  many 
calamities.     Now,  if  the  chief  of  mankind,  and  thofe  who 
have  acquired  the  greatefl  glory,   expofe  themfelves  to  fo 
many  evils,  why  fhould  we  wonder  others  are  defirous  of 


m 


the  like  thinj^s  ? 


u 


I  AM 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       19^ 

I  AM  not  ignorant,  that  you  approve  of  an  oration  againfl 
tyrants;  but  you  bear  with  difpleafure  that  which  touches 
tipon  your  own  rule.  Something  very  difgraceful  happens  to 
you  ',  for  what  you  perceive  in  others,  you  cannot  perceive 
in  yourfelves.  But,  furely,  it  is  not  the  fmallefl  proof  of  wife 
men  to  judge  always  the  fame  in  regard  of  the  fame  adions. 
You  have  never  taken  care  of  this  ;  and  you  judge  tyranni- 
cal governments  pernicious,  and  full  of  trouble,  not  only  to    ^ 
others,  but  to  the  pofTefTors  themfelves ;  but  the  fovereignty 
of  the  fea,  the  caufe  of  the  greatefl  good,which  no  ways  dif- 
fers, either  in  calamities  or  violent  anions,  from  tyrannies. 
As  for  theTheban  afiairs,  you  think  they  are  in  a  bad  fitua- 
tion,on  account  of  their  injuring  their  neighbours  ;  yet,tho' 
you  manage,  with  no  more  equity,  your  allies  interefts,'than 
they  govern  Bceotia,  you  judge,  you  do  all  that  is  necefTary. 
If  you  therefore  will  liflen  to  me,  omitting  all  other  con-    ^'  ■^■ 
cerns,  you  will  turn  your  minds  to  yourfelves  and  the  flate, 
and  wiU  fludy  and  confider  what  it  was  that  made  ours 
and  the  Lacedaemonian  city,  from  fmall  beginnings,  rife  ^o 
highly  as  to  govern  all  Greece  ^  and,  after  they  had  got  im- 
menfe  power,  be  deduced  to  the  danger  of  captivity  •  for 
What  reafons,  llkewife,  the  ThefTalians,  though  they*  had 
received  great  riches  from  their  anceflors,  and  acquired  a 
great  and  extenfive  power,  fhould  be  reduced  to  penury  ; 
why  the  Megarenfes,  tho'  their  republic  was  fmall  and  weak 
in  the  beginning,  tho'  they  had  not  lands,  nor  ports,  jior 
filver-mines,  but  inhabited  rocks,  now  have  themoflf^en- 
did  poflbfTions  amongfl  the  Greeks ;  and  why  Grangers  al- 
ways garifon  the  towns  of  the  former,  tho'  they  have  three 
thoufand  horfe,  and  innumerable  fhield-men  -,  and  why  the 
latter  govern  their  own  flate  at  pleafure,  though  they  have 
but  a  Imall  power :  on  the  contrary,  why  the  others  are 
always  in  civil  war  -,  laflly,  why  the  former,  tho'  they  in- 
habit betwixt  the  Peloponnefians,  Thebans,  and  our  city, 
enjoy  a  perpetual,  uninterrupted  peace.     If  you  confider 
thefe  circumflances,  and  the  like,  you  will  find,  that  in- 
temperance and    njuflice  have  been  the  caufe  of  all  thefe 

O  evils. 


)  ; 


194      The    ORATIONS 

evils  ;  aiid  moderation  and  equity  of  the  contrary  goods  r 
yet  you  yourfelves  judge,  that  fuch  as  prefervc  this  cecono- 
my  in  their  private  affairs,  are  the  moft  deferving  of  praife, 
and  live  the  moft  fafe  and  happy  of  all  citizens ;  but  think, 
at  the  fame  time,  that  the  public  is  not  obliged  to  this  me- 
thod.    Now,  certainly,  it  becomes  cities,  more  than  pri- 
vate perfons,  to  pra6life  virtue,  and  avoid  vice.     An  nreli- 
gious,  wicked  man  may,  by  chance,  die  before  he  fuffers  for 
his  mifdeeds  ;  but  cities,  on  account  of  their  immortality, 
\  J^    undergo  both  the  punifhment  of  gods  and  men.  You  ought 
'     therefore,  refleding  on  this,  not  to  liften  to  flatterers,  and 
difregard  futurity ;  or  efteem  thofe  who  fay  they  love  the 
people,  but  prejudice  the  whole  city  :  for  did  not  thefe  men, 
when  they  had  got  the  power  of  the  roftrum,  fo  infatuate 
the  city,  that  it  fell  into  all  thofe  calamities  which  I  have 
^  mentioned  to  you  before  ?     But  what  deferves  admiration 
is,  that  you  have  fuch  men  as  are  not  of  the  fame  fenti- 
ments  with  thofe  who  rendered  the  city  flourifhing,  but 
fuch  as  fpeak  and  a6t  like  thofe  who  ruined  it:  I  fay,  tho* 
you  know  this,  that  the  good  do  not  only  differ  from  the 
bad  in  this  point,  that  they  render  the  city  happy,  but  the 
republic,  under  fuch,  has  been  unfhaken  and  unchanged ; 
whereas,  under  the  others,  in  a  (hort  time  twke  unhinged 
and  deftroyed  ;  and,  finally,  that  thofe  v/ho  were  recalled 
from  banifhment,  wrhich  they  underwent  in  time  of  the  ty- 
rants and  the  thirty,  were  not  recalled  by  fycophants,  but 
thofe  who  detefted  them,  and  had  obtained  the  greateft 
glory  by  their  virtues :  I  fay,  tho'  we  have  thefe  examples 
before  us,  by  which  we  may  judge  how  the  city  has  adled 
under  both  j  yet  we  are  fo  pleafed  with  the  villainy  of  po- 
pular orators,  that  tho'  we  know,  that,  by  thefe  wars  and 
tumults  which  have  been  ftirred  up  by  them,  many  of  the 
citizens  have  lofl  their  fubftance,  while  themfelves  of  poor 
are  become  rich,  we  are  neither  filled  with  indignation  nor 
envy  at  their  profperity ;  but  we  fuffer  the  city  to  be  accufed 
of  concufTions  and  opprefTions,  while  we  quietly  let  thefe 
men  reap  the  benefit,  and  let  the  people,  whom  they  fay, 

ought 


of    1  S  O  C  it  A  f  fi  S.        ig$ 

bixght  to  govern  others,  live  more  unhappily  than  fuch  as 
ferve  an  oligarchy ;  while  we  permit  thofe,  who  had  nd 
Conveniencies  of  life,  by  our  imprudence,  to  become  flou- 
rifhilig  and  opulent;  But  Pericles,  who  prefided  beford 
thefe  men,  tho'  he  received  the  city  not  fo  found  in  judg- 
ment as  before  the  fovereignty,  yet  ftill  tolerably  oecono- 
miied,  did  not  haften  at  full-fpeed  to  raife  an  eflate,  but 
left  his  family  lefs  affluent  than  it  had  been  from  his  father's 
fortune,  and  brought  into  the  citadel  eight  thoufand  talents, 
befides  what  ferved  for  religious  pomps.  But  thefe  men  are 
fo  different  from  him^  that  they  are  not  afhamed  to  fay^ 
thatj  on  account  of  their  care  of  the  public,  they  cannot 
attend  to  their  private  affairs ;  yet,  what  they  pretend  to  be.  / 
fo  negligent  of,  have  received  fuch  an  encreafe,  as  once  be-/^ 
fore  they  durft  not  even  have  prayed  to  the  gods  for :  but 
as  for  the  populace,  whom,  they  fay,  they  take  fuch  care  of^ 
they  are  in  fuch  a  condition,  that  none  live  eafily,  or  with 
good  fpirits,  but  the  city  is  full  of  lamentations ;  fome  of 
them  commemorate  and  bewail  to  themfelves  their  poverty 
and  mifery ;  others,  the  multitude  of  edidb  and  public  of- 
fices, and  what  regards  tributes  and  exadlions  :  Which  con-* 
fiderations  caufe  fuch  grief,  that  they  live  lefs  pleafantly  who 
have  pofTefTions,  than  they  who  are  conftantly  poor.  I 
Wonder  you  do  not  obfer\'e,  that  no  fort  of  men  is  worfe 
affedled  to  the  populace,  than  wicked  orators  and  minifters*  y^ 
And,  befides  other  calamities,  they  would  have  the  people 
indigent  of  daily  food  3  for  they  fee  fuch  as  can  maintain 
themfelves  of  the  city's  party,  and  in  the  interefl  of  thofe 
who  fpeak  the  moft  falutarily  j  but  that  fuch,  who  live  by 
public  affemblies,  and  judgments,  and  fuch  ways,  to  be  at 
their  devotion  on  account  of  poverty,  and  to  think  them- 
felves obliged  for  fo  many  accufationsj  public  calumnies^ 
and  all  variety  of  fycophantifm.  Wherefore  they  would 
gladly  fee  the  whole  city  in  that  neceflity  and  indigence, 
whereby  they  govern  the  citizens.  This  is  an  evident  proof 
they  have  not  this  in  view,  viz.  whereby  they  may  make 
ifaie  neceifitous  eafy,  but  whereby  they  may  equal  thofe,  who 

O  2  have 


]» 
} 


io6        The    ORATIONS 

have  a  competency,  with  the  dlftrefled.     What  remedy  can 
be  applied  to  thefe  prefent  evils  ?     I  have  mentioned  many 
things,  not  in  order  indeed,  but  as  each  occurred  conveni- 
ently.    Now,  you  will  more  eafily  retain  them  in  memory, 
if,  after  I  have  recapitulated  what  U  nccefTary,  I  endeavour 
I  >,  ">to  run  them  over.     It  is  in  our  power  to  redify  the  mif- 
iakes  of  the  city,  and  make  it  better  by  thefe  means.  Firft,, 
if  we  employ  iuch  perfons  in  public  counfels,  as  we  would 
defire  to  have  in  our  private  affairs,  and  no  longer  efteem 
hypocrites  lovers  of  the  populace,  and  good  and  honeftmen 
affeders  of  an  oligarchy  ;  knowing,  as  we  muff,  that  no 
man  is  either  by  nature,  but  tliat  as  each  fort  of  men  are 
honoured  in  the  ilate,  fo  they  chufe  a  form  of  government. 
In  the  fecond  place,  if  we  treat  our  fubje6ls  as  our  friends, 
Kor  give  them,  as  it  were,  their  own  full  liberty,  but,  in 
iacl,  expofe  them  as  a  prey  to  our  generals;  nor  prefide 
over  them  as  lords,  but  as  allies  ;  convinced  of  this  truth, 
that  tho'  we  are  fuperior  to  any  iingle  city,  yet  we  are  in- 
ferior to  all  together.     In  the  third  place,  if  we  efteem  no- 
ihint^  more,  after  fmcere  religion  towards  the  gods,  than 
to  be  honoured  by  the  Greeks ;  for,  to  perfons  fo  difpofed, 
they  will  naturally  entruft  the  fovcreignty  and  themfelves. 
^-  C  if  you  continue  in  thefe  maxims,  and,  befides,  render  your- 
felves  warlike  by  excrcife  and  preparation,  and  affedionate 
of  peace  by  equity,  you  will  not  only  make  this  city  happy, 
but  all  Greece ;  for  no  other  city  will  dare  to  injure  them, 
but  all  will  fear,  and  reft  in  peace,  when  they  fee,  that  our 
city  is  looking  on,  as  from  a  watch-tower,  and  ready  to 
aflift  the  opprefted.     But  let  them  ad  as  they  will,  our  af- 
fairs will  not  fail  of  going  on  profperoufly  5  for  whether  it 
will  pleafe  the  more  powerful  cities  to  abftain  from  injuf- 
tices,  we  ftiall  be  efteemed  the  authors ;  or,  if  they  do  at- 
tempt to  injure  others,  all  who  fear,  or  arc  opprefted,  will 
fly  ta  us,  offering  us  prayers  and  fupplications,  and  hot 
only  giving  us  the  pre-eminency,  but  putting  themfelves 
under  our  patronage.     Wherefore  we  ftiall  not  want  fuch, 
by  whofe  afliftance  we  may  quell  the  delinquents,  but  fhall 

have 


itf>*<.- 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       197 

have  many  who  will  readily  aflift  us.    What  city,  what 
man,  will  not  defire  to  be  partaker  of  our  friendftiip  and 
alliance,  when  they  will  fee  us  both  the  jufteft  and  moft 
powerful,  and,  at  the  fame  time,  both  willing  and  able  to 
fave  others,  and  yet  want  no  afliftance  ourfelves  ?     What  a 
glorious  encreafe  of  happinefs  muft  our  city  receive,  when 
others  are  thus  benevolently  aftecled  towards  it  ?  What  a 
flood  of  riches  will  flow  in  on  all  fides,  when  all  Greece  is 
preferved  by  us  ?  Who  will  not  praife  the  authors  of  fo  many 
and  great  goods  ?     But  I  cannot,  upon  account  of  my  age, 
mention  all  particulars,  which  yet  I  have  an  idea  of  in  my 
mind  ;  but  only  this,  that  it  vi'ould  be  glorious,  if,  amidft 
the  injuftices  and  madnefs  of  others,  we  fiiould  iirft,  reco- 
vering our  fenfes,  confult  the  liberty  and  fafety  of  the 
Greeks,  and  not  be  called  their  common  plague,  or  difgrace 
the  high  reputation  which  our  anceftors  acquired  by  their 
virtues.     I  have  this  chief  head  to  mention,  to  which  all   1^2. 
this  difcourfe  bears,  and  by  which  we  ought  to  judge  of  the 
adions  of  the  city.     We  ought,  I  fay,  if  we  would  blot 
out  all  accufations,  which  we  are  now  charged  with,  to  ab- 
ftain from  all  rafli  wars,  poflefs  the  perpetual  pre-eminency, 
hate  all  tyrannical  governments  and  pov/ers,  while  we  con- 
fider  the  calamities  which  arife  from  them,  and  emulateV 
and  imitate  the  Lacedaemonian  kingdom  ;  for  it  is  lefs  per- 
mitted their  kings  to  commit  injuftice,  than  private  perfons. 
But  thofe  kings  are  fo  much  the  more  happy  than  thofe  who 
are  pofl'effed  of  tyrannical  power,  as  thofe  who  flay  ty- 
rants receive  from  their  fellow-citizens  the  moft  fplendid 
gifts  ;  but  thefe,  who  dare  not  die  for  their  kings  in  battle, 
are  treated  with  more  ignominy  than  fuch  as  defert  their 
ranks,  or  throw  away  their  ftiiclds.     Now,  certainly,  fuch 
fovereignty  is  defirable.     It  is,  doubtlefs,  in  our  power,  by 
a  ftmilar  conduct,    to  acc[uire  fuch  an  honour  from  all 
(ireece,  as  the  Lacedaemonian  kings  have  from  their  citi- 
zens, if  the  Cjrecians  are  fatisfied,  that  our  power  is  not 
conftitutcd  for  their  flavery,  but  fafety. 


03 


Tho* 


19?      The    ORATIONS,  &c, 

Tho'  great  variety  of  arguments  remain  to  fupport  my 
^hefis,  yet  both  thefe  motives,  the  length  of  my  oration, 
,  and  the  number  of  my  years,  perfuade  me  to  finifh  my  dif- 
courfe.  But  I  exhort  the  younger,  and  thofe  who  are  in 
their  vigour,  to  fpeak  and  write  fuch  things,  whereby  they 
may  dilTuade  the  greateft  cities,  and  which  have  been  accufr 
tomed  to  violence,  to  quit  fuch  pradtices,  and  apply  themr 
felves  to  the  ftudy  of  virtue  and  juftice ;  becaufe,  in  the 
public  felicity  of  all  Greece,  philofophers  and  men  of  let- 
ters will  find  their  condition  much  bettered,  and  their  hap? 
pinefs,  with  the  public,  augmented. 


^p*" 


■•«»i««*M«Mi«pKW> 


THE 


THE    NINTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES, 


IN    PRAISE    OF 


EVAGORAS. 


04 


[    201    ] 


%^^m^i 


The    SUBJECT. 

^T'HIS  is  a  ftmeral panegyric  ofEvagoras^  king 
-*■  of  Salami s  in  Cyprus^  who  was  Nicocles  s  fa- 
ther^ for  whom  the  fecond  and  third  orations  were 
written.  Firji^  he  fays y  that  nothing  can  be  more 
pleafmg  to  Evagoras^  than  to  have  his  noble  ac^ 
tions  celebrated  in  an  eloquent ^  fplcndid  manner  \ 
which  he  J}:ews  to  be  difficult :  then  fpecifyingy 
from  his  youth^  his  dijlinguifjcd  virtues^  he  ex- 
horts hisfon  to  imitate  them,  T'he  picture  of  fo 
great  a  hero  is  here  drawn^  as  it  were^  by  the 
pencil  of  Apelles  \  and  he  is  defer ibed  viSlorious 
ever  all  the  perfecutions  of  fortune.  There  are 
Jine  admonitions  mixed  in  it^  with  delicate  praije^ 


THE    NINTH 


Oration  of  IsocRATES, 


IN    PRAISE    OF 


i 


EVAGORAS. 


WHEN  I  faw  you,  O  Nicocles!  ornamenting 
your  father's  funeral,  not  only  with  the  multi- 
tude and  beauty  of  your  donations,  but  with 
dances,  mufic,  and  gymnaftic  games,  as  likewife  with  na- 
val and  horfe-races,  nor  omitting  any  magnificence  of  this 
kind  5  I  judged,  that  Evagoras  (if  there  be  any  fenfe  in  the 
dead  of  what  is  done  on  earth),  would  receive  all  thefe  things 
kindly,  and  take  a  pleafure  in  feeing  your  care  of  him,  and 
fplendid  behaviour;  but  that  he  would  ftill  think  himfelf 
more  obliged,  than  for  all  things  elfe,  if  any  oneftiould  ex- 
plain worthily  his  ftudies,  and  thofe  dangers  which  he  ran 
in  the  execution  of  his  noble  anions  ;  for  we  fliall  find 
men,  who  love  honour,  and  are  great-minded,  not  only  de- 
firous  of  praife  beyond  things  of  this  nature,  but  even  chuf- 
ing  death  with  encomium,  rather  than  life'itfelf,  and  more 
emulous  of  glory,  than  of  old  age  ;  doing  all  that  lies  in  their 
power  to  leave  an  immortal  remembrance  behind  them. 
Expenccs  of  this  nature  conclude  in  nothing,  but  are  an 
indication  of  aiHuence.     As  for  thofe  who  profefs  mufic, 
^nd  exercifcs  of  that  kind,  fome  of  them  {hew  their  own 
faculties,  and  others  thyir  arts,  whereby  they  render  thcm- 
felves  mo;-c  glorious.     But  fhould  any  one,  by  an  oration, 

worthily 


202        The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

worthily  rcprefent  his  a6lions,  fuch  a  one  would  render  the 
virtues  of  Evagoras  eternized  amongft  mankind.  Now,  it 
is  more  proper,  that  contemporaries  (hould  be  praifed,  who 
have  been  good  men,  that  thofe  who  are  capable  of  orna- 
menting the  adions  of  the  anticnts,  might,  amongft  the 
intelligent,  ufe  true  panegyric,  and  the  moderns  might  be 
more  ftirred  up  to  virtue ;  knowing  well,  that  they  them- 
felves  will  be  praifed  more  than  thofe  whom  they  have  ex- 
celled in  merit.  But  who  now  almoft  would  not  defpond, 
when  he  fees  thofe  who  lived  about  the  Trojan  war,  and 
before  thefe  times,  celebrated  by  hymns  and  tragedies ;  but 
forefees,  that  he,  tho*  he  fhould  excel  them  in  heroic  qua- 
lities, will  not  be  vouchfafed  fuch  praifes  ?  The  caufe  of 
this  is  envy,  which  has  no  other  good  in  it,  but  that  it  is 
the  greateft  torment  to  thofe  who  are  influenced  by  it ;  for 
fome  perfons  are  fo  morofely  difpofed,  that  they  more  will- 
ingly hear  the  praifes  of  fuch,  whom  they  know  not  ever 
to  have  exifted,  than  of  thofe  whom  they  have  received 
good  from.  But  we  fhould  not  be  enflaved  by  fuch  men, 
who  have  fo  perverfe  a  mind  ;  we  fhould  negledt  fuch,  and 
accuftom  others  to  liften  to  what  it  isjufter  they  fhould  hear 
of;  efpecially  fince  we  fee  all  the  improvements  of  arts,  and 
all  things,  not  to  have  been  made  by  thofe  who  followed  a 
beaten  track,  but  by  thofe  who  corrected  former  methods, 
and  dared  always  to  change  fomething  in  what  was  notper* 
ic6k  and  compleat, 

I  KNOW  it  is  difEcultto  praife  the  virtue  of  a  diftlngulfhed 
perfon  in  an  oration :  and  this  is  an  evident  proof;  for  thofe, 
who  arc  converfant  in  philofophy,  have  dared  to  fpeak  about 
all  other  fubjecls,  but  none  of  them  have  hitherto  attempted 
this  topic.  I  pardon  them  ;  for  the  poets  have  many  op- 
portunities of  ornamenting,  who  are  permitted  to  make 
gods  converfant  with,  and  aflifling,  whom  they  pleafe ;  and 
explain  themfelves  not  only  in  cuftomary,  but  in  foreign, 
new,  and  metaphorical  expreflions ;  nor  omit  any  colour- 
ing, but  vary  their  poetry  as  much  as  pofliblc.  Now,  no- 
thing of  this  is  permitted  in  orations ;  but  orators  are  obliged 

to 


■'^j- 


I'  * 
<J6 


^! 


■"^'. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S,        203 

to  fpeak  plainly,  and  ufe  fuch  words  and  arguments  as  arc 
ufual  upon  their  topics.  Befides,  the  former  have  both  mea- 
fare  and  numbers,  but  the  latter  are  deftitute  of  fuch  ad- 
vantages ;  which  are  of  fo  great  efficacy,  that,  though  the 
diaion  and  fentiment  fliould  be  deficient,  yet,  by  the  art  of 
harmony  and  verfification,  the  poets  can  engage  the  atten- 
tion, and,  as  it  were,  tranfport  the  mind.     From  this  in- 
ftance  we  may  perceive  their  power ;  for  if  any  onefliouM 
leave  the  words  and  fentiments  of  celebrated  poems,  but 
diflblve  their  numbers,  they  would  appear  jejune,  and  in- 
ferior to  the  notion  we  now  have  of  them.     But  tho'  poetry 
has  this  advantage,  we  are  not  to  be  indolent,  but  try  the 
force  of  eloquence ;  and  experience,  whether  this  cannot 
celebrate  good  men,  equally  with  thofe  who  have  compofed 
pdes  and  poems  in  their  honour. 

First,  then, tho'  many  already  know  the  birth  of  Evago- 
ras, and  from  whom  he  defcended,  yet,  I  think,  I  ought,  for 
the  fake  of  others,  to  fpeak  upon  this  head,  that  all  may  un- 
derftand,  tho'  he  had  left  him  the  nobleft  and  moft  excellent 
examples,  yet  he  no  ways  fell  Ihort  of  them.     It  is  acknow- 
ledged  by  all,  that  thofe,  who  are  defcended  from  Jupiter, 
3re  the  nobleft  of  the  demi-gods.     Now,  amongft  thofe, 
there  is  no  one  but  will  give  the  preference  to  the  JEacidie. 
In  other  families,  we  fliall  find  fome  to  have  excelled,  and 
others  to  have  fallen  fliort  of  the  fame  glory ;  but  all  thefe 
were  the  moft  famous  of  all  in  their  own  times :  for  JEz- 
cus,  who  was  the  fon  of  Jupiter,  and  author  of  Teucer's 
family,  fo  far  excelled,  that,  when  a  drought  had  happened 
in  Greece,  and  many  periftied,  when  the  calamity  was  now 
come  to  its  height,  the  chief  of  the  cities  came  to  him  in 
a  fuppliant  manner,  thinking,  by  his  high  birth  and  piety, 
they  might  the  fooneft  be  freed  from  their  preffing  calami- 
ties.     Thus  being  faved,   and  obtaining  all  they  wiftied, 
they  built,  in  ^Egina,  a  temple  common  to  all  Greece,  on 
the  fpot  where  he  had  made  his  prayer ;  and,  during  all  that 
time  which  he  was  amongft  men,  he  lived  with  the  greateft 
glory  :  but,  when  he  departed  this  life,  he  is  faid  to  have 

J  received 


.   S| 


i 


•  -vW- 


204       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

received  the  greateft  honours  from  Pluto  and  Proferpine,  and 
to  have  been  feated  at  their  fide.  His  fons  v^^ereTelamon  and 
Pelcus  ;  the  one  of  which,  making  an  expedition  with  Her- 
cules againft  Laomedon,  deferved  the  higheft  encomium  of 
valour;  and  Peleus,  diftinguifhing  himfelf  in  the  war  with 
the  Centaurs,  and  gaining  praife  in  many  other  dangers, 
tho'  mortal,  married  Thetis  the  daughter  of  Nereus,  who 
was  immortal  :  and  it  is  faid,  that,  at  his  nuptials,  of  all 
human  race,  the  hymenaean  was  fung  by  deities.     From 
thofe  two,  viz.  from  Telamon,  came  Ajax  and  Teucer ; 
and  from  Peleus,  fprung  Achilles  ;  each  of  whom  gave  the 
greateft  and  moft  evident  proofs  of  valour  :  for  they  were 
not  only  the  chief  in  their  cities,  and  the  places  they  dwelt 
in,  but  there  happening  an  expedition  of  the  Greeks  a- 
gainft  the  Barbarians,  and  a  great  number  being  collefled 
on  both  fides,  nor  any  of  diftin6lion  being  left  behind,  in 
this  conflidl,  Achilles  diftinguifhed  himfelf  from  all  others, 
and  Ajax  merited   the  next  degree  of  glory ;  but  Teucer, 
worthy  of  their  relation,  and  inferior  to  no  others,  after 
he  had  with  them  facked  Troy,  failing  to  Cyprus,  built  Sa- 
hmis,  calling  it  thus  after  his  ov/n  country,  and  left  behind 
him  that  family  which  now  reigns.   What  glory,  therefore, 
was  tranfmitted  down  to  Evac^oras  by  his  anceftors,  is  of 
this  exalted  nature:  this  city  being  in  this  manner  built,  at 
firft  the  defcendents  from  Teucer  obtained  the  kingdom ; 
but,  in  procefs  of  time,  a  banifhed  perfon  c:ime  from  Phoe- 
nicia, who  was  received  by  him  who  then  reigned,    with 
amity,  and  thus  obtaining  great  power,  did  not  requite  his 
friend  with  gratitude  j  but,  becoming  villainous  to  his  be- 
nefactor, and  ambitious  of  higher  things,  expelled  him, 
and  feized  his  kingdom.     But  being  alarmed  by  fear  for 
what  he  had  done,  and  having  a  mind  to  fecure  himfelf, 
he  both  filled  the  city  with  Barbarians,  and  fubjcdled  the 
whole  ifland  to  the  s:reat  kincr  of  Pcrfia. 

EvAGORAS  was  born,  when  thinc^s  were  in  fuch  circum, 
ftances.  I  (hall  omit  here  the  oracles,  the  prophecies,  and 
vifionsj  which  happened  in  flecp,  by  which  he  might  appear 

a  perfou 


of    ISOCRATE  S.        205 

a  perfon  exalted  above  human  nature  ;  not  that  I  difbelieve 
thefe  things,  but  that  I  may  make  it  evident,  that  I  am  (6 
far  from  feigning  any  actions  of  his,  that  I  fhall  pafs  by 
fuch  as  are  true,  but  few  know  of,  nor  all  are  agreed  a- 
bout ;  for  whilft  he  was  a  youth,  he  was  endued  with  beau- 
ty, ftrength,  and  modefty  ;  qualities  particularly  adapted  to 
that  at^e.     And  of  what  I  fay,  I  can  produce  thefe  wit- 
nelTes,  viz.  of  his  modefty,  all  the  citizens  who  were  edu- 
cated with  him;  of  his  beauty,  all  who  faw  him;  and  of 
his  ftreno-th,  all  thofe  games  and  contefts  in  which  he  van- 
quifhed  his  equals.     When  he  was  a  man,  all  thefe  advan- 
tages encreafed,  and  to  them  were  added  fortitude,   wif- 
dom,  and  juftice,  not  in  a  middling  degree,  nor  as  we  fee 
them  in  fome  others,  but  each  of  them  in  excellency :  for 
he  fo  far  excelled  in  the  virtues  of  mind  and  body,  that  when 
they,  who  then  reigned,   faw  him,  they  were  ftruck,  and 
feared  for  their  own  kingdom;  thinking  it  was  Impoflible, 
that  fuch  a  one  w^ould  be  content  to  pafs  his  life  in  a  pri- 
vate ftation.     But  when  they  confidercd  his  manner,  they 
put  fuch  confidence  in  him,  that  they  thought,  ftiould  any 
one  elfe  dare  to  injure  them,  they  ftiould  have  Evagoras  for 
their  afliftant ;  and  tho'  their  opinions  were  fo  different,  yet 
they  were  deceived  in  neither  refpe6l ;  for  he  neither  re- 
mained a  private  perfon,  nor  trefpafTed  againft  them  :  but 
the  gods  had  fuch  care  of  him,  and  that  he  might  virtuoufiy 
pofTefs  the  kingdom,  that  what  necefTarily  was  prepared  by 
impiety,  another  perpetrated ;  but  Evagoras  himfelf  per- 
formed what  was  ncceflary  for  his  juft  and  guiltlefs  afcent  of 
the  throne :  for  one  of  the  nobles  caufing  a  confpiracy,  both 
flew  the  tyrant,  and  had  a  mind  to  feize  Evagoras ;  think- 
ing he  could  not  obtain  the  kingdom,  unlefs  he  deftroyed 
him.     Evagoras  efcaping  this  danger,  and  being  fafe  ar- 
rived in  Soli,  a  city  of  Cilicia,  entertained  not  the  fame 
thoughts  as  fuch  do,  who  fall  into  the  like  calamities;  for 
others,  tho'  they  have  loft  a  kingdom,  arc  apt  to  have,  on 
account  of  their  calamities,  abjedt  minds ;  but  he  rofe  to 
that  pitch  of  magnanimity,  after  he  was  driven  into  ba- 

nifhment. 


2o6       The    6  R  A  r  1  O  N  3 

nrfhment,  that,  tho*  before  he  lived  a  private  perfon,  iie 
now  thought  it  was  but  juft  he  fhould  afTume  the  royalty. 
But  he  fcorned  to  accept  of  renegadoes  or  fugitives,  and 
return  by  fuch,  or  make  his  addrefles  to  thofe  beneath  him  j 
And  taking  the  opportunity,  which  it  becomes  thofe  who 
would  a6l  with  piety,  of  revenging^  and  not  being  the  ag- 
greflbr ;  in  fhort,  refolving  either  to  fucceed  in  attaining  a 
crown,  or,  failing,  to  die  with  bravery;  haviiig  got  toge- 
ther about  fifty  perfons,  as  moft  atteft,  and  being  fupported 
by  thefe,  he  attempted  his  return.     From  whence  we  may 
clearly  perceive  his  abilities,  and  what  great  thought  others 
had  of  him ;  for,  on  the  point  of  failing  with  fo  few  to  exe- 
cute fo  great  a  defign,  and  tho'  all  cruelties  were  prefented 
to  their  view,  he  neither  defponded,  nor  would  a  man  of 
them  withdraw  from  the  danger ;  but^  as  if  they  had  fol- 
lowed a  god,  all  ftood  to  their  promifes ;  and  he,  as  if  he 
had  a  fuperior  army,  or  forefaw  what  would  happen,  pro- 
ceeded with  fecrecy.  This  is  evident  from  his  adions  ;  for^ 
in  making  a  defcent  upon  the  ifland,  he  did  not  judge,  that, 
after  feizing  fome  ftrong  place,  and  putting  his  body  in  fafe-* 
ty^  he  ought  to  wait  the  alTiftance  of  fome  of  the  citizens  • 
but  immediately,  as  he  was  prepared,  the  fame  night,  hav- 
ing broke  open  a  fmall  gate   in  the  wall,  and  introducino- 
his  companions  by  it,  he  made  an  afTault  againft  the  palace. 
And  why  need  I  here  dwell   upon  defchbing  the  tumult 
which  happens  on  fuch  an  occafion,  the  terror  of  fome, 
and  his  generous  exhortations  ?  While  fome  of  the  tyrant's 
guards  refifted,  and  the  reft  of  the  citizens  were  fpe(51ators 
(for,  fearing  th^  government  of  the  one,  and  the  valour  of 
the  other,  they  remained  quiet),  he  did  not  ceafe  iighting^ 
both  alone  againft  many,  and,  with  his  companions,  a^ 
gainft  all  the  enemies,  till,  taking  the  palace,  he  revenged 
himfelf  on  his  adverfaries,  brought  fuccour  to  his  friends, 
reftored  his  family  to  its  former  honours,  and  made  him- 
felf the  lord  of  the  city. 

I  NOW  think,  that,  {hould  I  add  no  more,  but  break  off" 
in  this  place  my  difcourfe,  it  would  be  eafy  to  eftimate 

both 


I 


m 


of    1  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      207 

both  the  valour  of  Evagoras,  and  the  greatnefs  of  his  a£lion?- 
But  I  judge,  that  I  (hall  more  fully  manifeft  both  by  what 
follows ;  for  tho'  there  have  been  fo  many  monarchs  in  all 
times,  yet  none  will  be  found  who  obtained  this  honour 
more  glorioufly  than  he.     But  (hould  we  compare  Evago- 
ras's  adions  with  each  of  theirs,  perhaps  neither  the  dif- 
courfe would  pleafe  the  hearers,  nor  the  time  fuffice  for 
tvhat  might  be  faid  ;  yet,  if  we  feledl  the  moft  glorious,  and 
compare  Evagoras's  adlions  with  theirs,  we  (hall  lofe  no- 
thing by  this  method,  and  we  (hall  exprefs  ourfelves  more 
briefly  by  this  means.     Is  there,  think  you,  any  of  thofe, 
who  have  fucceeded  to  their  paternal  kingdoms,  whofe  for- 
tune we  would  not  poftponc  to  the  dangers  of  Evagoras  ? 
There  is  no  one  fo  mean-fpirited,  who  would  chufe  to  re- 
ceive fuch  a  government,  rather  than,  after  he  had  gained 
it  blamelefsly,  as  Evagoras,  to  leave  it  to  his  children. 
Now,  amongft  the  antients,  the  returns  of  thofe  perfons  to 
their  paternal  kingdoms  are  moft  celebrated,  which  we  read 
of  in  the  poets  j  for  they  do  not  commemorate  only  the 
moft  glorious,  but  they  invent  other  heroes  of  their  own- 
But  none  of  them  have  mentioned,  in  their  fables,  anyone, 
who,  after  he  had  pafled  fuch  horrid  and  dreadful  dangers, 
recovered  his  own  right.     Moft  of  them  have  celebrated 
thofe  who  received  their  kingdoms  from  fortune  ;  others, 
thofe  who  got  the  better  of  their  adverfaries  by  ait  and  ftra- 
tagem :  but  of  thofe  who  fucceeded,    or  perhaps  of  all, 
moft  particularly  admire  Cyrus,  who  took  the  empire  from 
the  Medes,  and  transferred  it  to  the  Perfians  j  yet  he,  with 
a  Perfian  army,  overthrew  the  Medes,  which  many,  both 
©f  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians,  would  have  eafily  done. 
But  it  is  certain,  Evagoras  effe£led  moft  of  thefe  things, 
which  have  been  mentioned  before,  by  his  bodily  ftrength 
and  courage.     Now,  it  is  not  evident  from  the  expedition 
of  Cyrus,  that  he  would  ever  have  fuftained  the  dangers 
of  Evagoras  ;  but  it  is  clear  from  the  latter's  acSlions  to  all, 
that  he  would  eafily  have  attempted  the  exploits  of  the  other. 
Befides,  all  was  done  juftly  and  religioufly  by  the  one ;  but 

fom& 


zoS      The    ORATIONS 

fome  things  were  a  blcmifh  to  the  other's  piety.     The  one 
flew  his  enemies ;  but  the  other  killed  his  wife's  father  :  fo 
that  if  any  one  will  confider,  not  the  greatnefs  of  the  e- 
vents,  but  the  bravery  of  each,  they  muft  neccfTarily  praife 
Evagoras  before  Cyrus.  And  if  I  ought  to  conceal  nothing, 
nor  be  deterred  by  envy  from  fpeaking  my  mind  freely,  I  will 
dare  to  fay,  that  no  mortal,  demi-god,  or  immortal,  can  be 
found  ever  to  have  gained  a  kingdom  more  nobly,  or  with 
more  glory  and  piety.     Every  one  may  be  moft  convinced 
of  this,  if,  not  too  incredulous  of  what  I  have  faid,  he  re- 
folveto  enquire  how  each  acquired  his  kingdom;  for  I 
fhall  not  appear  defirous  of  always  fpeaking  in  the  moft 
pompous  manner,  but  of  fpeaking  with  boldnefs,  accord- 
ing to  the  verity  of  the  facls.     Had  he  diftinguifhcd  himfelf 
in  fmall  adtions,  he  would  have  deferved  an  encomium  j 
but  all  confefs,  that  royalty  is  the  greateft,  the  mofl  au- 
guft,  and  deferving  of  contention,  of  all  mortal  goods. 
Now,  what  rhetorician,  what  poet,  what  orator,  can  fuffi- 
ciently  praife  him  for  his  adions,  who  has  acquired  the 
moft  glorious  of  all  pofltHions  ? 

Nor,  tho'  he  excelled  in  thefe  rcfpe^s,  will  he  be  found 
inferior  in  others  ;  for,  in  the  firft  place,  tho'  he  was  born 
with  the  happieft  genius,  and  could  do  many  things  in  the 
moft  perfedl  manner,  yet  he  judged,  he  ought  not  to  fet 
flight  by  any  thing,  nor  tranfadt  ought  rafhly  and  inconfi- 
derately;  but  he  fpent  much  of  his  time  in  enquiry  and 
deliberation ;  judging,  that,  if  he  exercifed  prudently  his 
own  mind,  his  kingdom  would  be  rendered  glorious,  and 
wondered  at  thofe,  who  do  all  for  the  fake  of  life,  but  no- 
thing for  a  wifer  and  better  oeconomy  of  it.  In  public  af- 
fairs, he  judged  in  the  fame  manner  ;  for  feeing  thofe,  who 
took  the  greateft  care  of  their  affairs,  to  be  leaft  expofed  to 
trouble,  and  that  eafe  of  mind  confifted  not  in  adivity,  but 
m  doing  good,  and  bearing  labour,  he  omitted  nothing,  but 
fo  well  underllood  public  affairs,  and  all  perfons,  that  they 
neither  could  prejudice  him  by  fraud,  nor  thofe  who  were 
gvood,  be  concealed  from  him  i  but  all  had  their  juft  reward. 

He 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      2og 

He  neither  punifhed  or  honoured  his  citizens,  by  what  he 
heard  from  others  ;  but  what  he  knew,  he  made  the  rule  of 
his  fentiments.     Tho'  he  was  employed  in  fuch  variety  of 
care,  yet  he  committed  no  one  inflance  of  error  in  what- 
ever occurred  daily  ;  but  he  governed  the  city  fo  religioufly 
and  humanely,  that  thofe  ftrangers,  who  came  there,  did 
not  felicitate  Evagoras  more  for  his  happy  reign,  than  they 
did  his  fubjeds  for  his  mild  government.     He  pafTed  his 
whole  life  without  injuring  any  man,  and  in  conflantly  ho- 
nouring the  good.     If  he  governed  with  a  flria  h?»nd,  yet 
he  puniflied  delinquents  according  to  the  laws ;  and  tho'  he 
leaft  of  all  men  wanted  counfellors,  yet  he  always  took  the 
advice  of  his  friends.     Tho'  he  would  yield  to  his  friends^ 
yet  he  would  conquer  his  enemies  in  all  things.     He  was 
augufl  and  venerable,  not  by  the  haughtinefs  of  his  brow, 
but  by  the  dignity  of  his  life.     He  behaved  himfelf  in  no- 
thing in  an  indecent  or  unbecoming  manner ;  but  preferved 
his  veracity  as  much  in  common  converfation  as  others  do 
in  regard  of  oaths.     He  was  full  of  noble  fpirit,  not  for  the 
goods  of  fortune,  but  thofe  that  were  his  own.     He  made 
his  friends  his  own  by  his  beneficence,  and  others  he  fub- 
jcded  by  the  greatnefs  of  his  courage.     He  was  not  terrible 
by  his  violence  to  others,  but  by  excelling  in  the  fuperiority 
of  genius.     He  was  a  mdler  of  his  pleafures,  and  not  hur- 
ried here  and  there  by  them.     He  procured  himfelf  leifure 
by  a  few  labours,  and  did  not,  for  a  little  amufement,  caufe 
himfelf  great  trouble.     In  a  word,  he  omitted  nothing  of 
whatever  becomes  kings,  but  chofe  whatever  was  beft  in 
every  republic.     He  was  popular  in  the  affection  of  the 
multitude,  political  in  the  government  of  the  city,  a  ge- 
neral in  taking  jufl  meafures  in  danger,  and  royal  by  excel- 
ling  in  all  things.  • 

It  is  jufl  to  imagine,  that  all  thefe,  and  more  than  thefe 
noble  qualities  were  inherent  in  Evagoras ;  for  tho'  he  re- 
ceived a  city  difgraced  by  barbarity,  and  which,  upon  ac 
count  of  the  Phoenicians,  would  not  admit  the  Greeks,  learn 
arts,  or  ufe  any  free  trade,  or  allow  open  ports,  he  cor- 

P  reded 


2IO      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

reded  all  thefe  things ;  he  added  a  fpacious  coujitry,  in- 
clofed  the  city  with  a  wall,  built  gallies,  and  with  all  other 
preparations  fo  fortified  the  city,  that  it  was  inferior  to  none 
of  all  thofc  which  belonged  to  the  Greeks.     He  acquired 
fuch  power,  that  many  feared  who  had  dcfpifed  hiin.     It  is 
impoiTible,  that  any  cities  fhould  have  fuch  additions,  unlefs 
fonie  perfon  govern  by  fuch  a  noble  condudl  as  Evagoras 
did,  and  fuch  as  I  have  endeavoured  to  enumerate  before. 
Wherefore  I  do  not  fear,  leil  I  (hould  feem  to  thofe  who 
knew  his  virtues,  to  fpcak  bevond  his  merit,  but  lelil  fhould 
be  inferior  in  elotjuencc  to  his  actions.     What  man,  with 
all  the  pov/cr  of  langungc,  can  reach  the  qualities  of  him, 
who  not  only  made  his  city  of  more  value,  but  brought  the 
neio-hbouring  regions,  nay,  the  whole  ifland,  to  civility  and 
moderation  ?  for,  befyre  Evagoras  pofTcfled  the  kingdom, 
they  behaved  thcmfclves  in  fuch  a  deteftable  and  favage  man- 
ner, that  they  thought  thofc  were  the  beft  of  their  chiefs, 
who  a£ted  the  molt  cruelly  againft  the  Grecians.     Now, 
they  are  fo  changed,  that  they  contend  among  themfelves 
who  (hall  appear  the  moft  benevolent  to  the  Grecians ;  mofl: 
of  them  bes:et  children  on  women  of  our  country,  take  a 
greater  pleafure  in  our  furniture  and  inftitutions  tlian  in  their 
own ;  and  one  may  find  among  them  more  perfons  who 
excel  in  rroble  mufic,  and  in  other  kinds  of  fcience,  than 
amonolt  thofe  where  they  formerly  flourifhed.     None  can 
deny  Eva2;oras  to  be  the  author  of  all  thefe  things.    Now, 
this  is  the  greatcll  fign  both  of  his  manners  and  fandtity. 
Many  reputable  good  Grecians  pafled  over  into  Cyprus, 
leaving  their  own  country,  and  judging  the  government  of 
Evacroras  more  humane  and  equitable  than  their  own  re- 
publics.    To  mention  by  name  others,  might  make  my 
difcourfe  tedious  :  but  in  regard  of  Conon,  who,  on  account 
of  his  many  virtues,  was  the  chief  of  the  Grecians,  is  any- 
one ignorant,  that,  when  the  city  of  Athens  had  met  with 
bad  fuccefs,  he,  feletSling  out  of  all,  came  to  Evagoras? 
judging  there  would  neither  be  any  where  elfe  a  furcr  re- 
fuge for  his  bodv,  or  a  quicker  afiillance  for  the  city  :  and 

tho' 


of    I  S  O  C  R.  A  t  E  S.        2ii 

tno*  he  had  done  well  irt  former  things,  yet  he  feemed  never 
to  have  taken  better  meafures  than  now  ;  for  it  happened  to 
him,  by  coming  into  Cyprus,  to  be  the  caufe  of  many  goods^ 
and  to  receive  many.     In  the  firfl  place,  they  no  fooner 
met,  but  they  efteemed  one  another  more  than  thofe  who 
before  had  been  familiar  to  them  ;  and  agreeing  conftantly 
in  other  things,  they  likewife  had  the  fame  fentiments  in 
regard  of  our  city ;  for  feeing  it  fubjeded  by  the  Lacedae- 
monians, and  afflidled  by  a  great  change  of  affairs,  they 
bore  it  heavily,  and  each  did  his  refpedive  duty;  for  the* 
one  was  a  countryman,  and  the  Athenians  had  made  the 
other  a  citizen,  upon  account  of  his  many  and  fingular  me- 
rits.    While  they  were  thinking  of  the  means  of  freeing 
Athens  from  its  calamities,  the  Lacedaemonians  afforded 
them  an  opportunity ;  for  governing  the  Grecians  both  by 
fea  and  land,  they  arrived  at  that  pitch  of  infatiable  avarice, 
■•  that  they  attempted  even  to  injure  Afia»    Conon  and  Eva- 
goras feized  on  this  jundlure,  and  informed  the  king's  o-ene- 
rals,  who  were  doubtful,  how  they  fhould  manage  affairs : 
advifing  them  not  to  make  war  by  land,  but  by  fea,  a^^ainfl: 
the  Lacedaemonians ;  judging,  that,  ihould  they  raife  a  foot- 
army,  and  conquer  by  that  means,  things  would  only  be 
better  on  the  continent  by  it ;  but,  if  they  conquered  by  fea, 
all  Greece  would  partake  of  the  vidory  ;  which  happened  ; 
for  the  generals  obeying  this  counfel,  and  collecTting  a  fleets 
the  Lacedaemonians  were  conquered  in  a  naval  battle,  and 
ftripped  of  their  power ;  the  Greeks  were  refl^ored  to  liber- 
ty, our  city  recovered  part  of  its  fplendor,  and  was  confli- 
tuted  head  of  the  allies.  This  was  done  by  Conon  as  leader, 
but  Evagoras  as  afTiflant,  who  furniflied  out  the  greatell  part 
of  the  troops ;  for  which  we  honoured  both  with  the  <^rv?ateil 
honours,  and  placed  their  ftatues  where  that  of  Jupiter  the 
Preferver  is,  next  to  him  and  each  other,  as  a  monument 
of  both  thefe  things,  viz.  of  the  grcatnefs  of  the  benefit, 
and  of  their  own  mutual  friendfliip.     But  the  Perfian  mo- 
narch had  not  the  fame  fentiments  of  them,  but  feared  them 
in  proportion  as  they  did  greater  and  more  noble  acSlions. 

P    2  I  SHALL 


V 


212       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

I  SHALL  fpeak  of  Conon  in  another  place.  But  it  Is  evi- 
dent, that  the  Perfian  had  this  difpofition  towards  Evago- 
ras,  fince  he  did  not  diflemble  it;  for  it  is  certain,  he  was 
more  anxious  about  his  Cyprian  war  than  any  other^  and 
judged  him  a  greater  and  more  dangerous  enemy  than  Cy*- 
rus,  who  contended  with  him  for  the  kingdom.     This  is  a 
^ure  proof;  for  when  he  had  heard  of  his  brother's  prepara- 
tions, he  fo  defpiied  him,  that,  not  being  cautious  enough, 
his  rival  had   like  to  have  entered  the  palace  without  his 
knowledge :  but  he  was  fo  timid   in  refpecl  of  Evagoras, 
that,  while  he  received  benefits  from  him,  he  was  privately 
levying  a  war  ;  not  doing  juftly  indeed,  but  yet,  not  v/lth- 
out  an  appearance  of  reafon,  confulting  his  fafety;  for  he 
knew,  that  many,  both  of  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians,  had 
creeled  great  empires  from  low  and  mean  beginnings ;  and 
he  underftood,  that  Evagoras's  magnanimity,  the  incrcafe 
of  his  ftate,  and  the  glory  of  his  adlions,  made  fwift  pro- 
grefs,  that  he  had  an  im'incible  genius,  and  that  fortune  fa- 
voured his  virtues.     He  was  not  angry  for  what  had  been 
done,  but  follicltous  for  the  future  ;  and  not  fearing  fomuch 
for  Cyprus,  but  far  greater  concerns,    he  undertook  war  a- 
gainft  him  ;  and  he  applied  himfclf  to  it  with  fuch  vigour* 
that  he  expended  in  this  expedition  above  fifty  thoufand  ta- 
lents.    But  Evagoras,  inferior  in  all  preparations,  oppofing 
his  courao;e  to  fuch  immenfe  forces,  fhewed  himfelf  more 
wonderful  on  this  occafion,  than  in  regard  of  all  that  haS 
been  mentioned  before  ;  for  while  they  fuffered  him  to  live 
in  peace,  he  only  held  his  own  city  ;  but,  after  he  was  forced 
to  make  war,  he  behaved  himfelf  fo,  and  had  fuch  an  af- 
fiftant  in  his  fon  Protagoras,  that  he  was  very  near  feizing 
all  Cyprus.     He  laid  wafte  Phoenicia,  took  Tyre  by  force, 
and  made  Cilicia  revolt  from  the  king;  and  he  deflroyed 
fuch  numbers  of  the  enemies,  that  many  of  the  Perfians, 
deploring  their  misfortunes, remember  his  valour:  at  length, 
he  fo  glutted  them  with  war,  that,  tho'  formerly  the  Per- 
fians were  not  accuftomed  to  be  reconciled  to  thofe  who  had 
revolted,  before  they  were  mailers  of  their  bodies,  they  now 

willingly 


^>ir 


4§\}- 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        213 

willingly  made  peace,  diflblving  that  law,  and  making  no 
change  in  Evagoras's  kingdom.  And  tho'  the  Perfian  king, 
in  three  years,  deftroyed  the  power  of  the  Lacedc-emonians, 
who  were  polTeiTed  at  that  time  of  the  greateft  flrength  and 
glory,  yet,  having  war  with  Evagoras  for  ten  years,  he  left 
him  lord  of  the  fame  pofTciTions  of  which  he  was  before  the 
war  began.     But  this  is  moft  to  be  admired  :  that  very 
city,  which,  when  another  reigned  in,  Evagoras  took  with 
fifty  men,  the  Perfian  king  could  not  conquer  with  his 
mighty  forces.  Now,  how  can  any  one  more  nobly  fhew  the 
fortitude,  prudence,  and  all  the  virtues  of  Evagoras,  than 
by  the  hiftory  of  his  adions  and  dangers  ?  for  it  is  certain 
that  he  not  only  furpafTed  the  exploits  of  other  wars,  but 
thofe  carried  on  by  heroes,  and  celebrated  in  hymns  and 
poems  by  all  men  ;  for  they,  with  united  Greece,  only  took 
Troy,  but  he,  tho'  he  had  but  one  city,  made  war  againft 
all  Afia  :  wherefore,  had  as  many  praifed  him  as  have  praifed 
them,  he  had  acquired  greater  glory  than  they.     Who,  a- 
mongft  them,  if  we  omit  fables,  and  examine  the  truth, 
did  fo  great  things  as  he  ?  or,  who  was  the  author  of  fuch 
great  changes  in  affairs  ?  Of  a  private  perfon  he  made  him- 
fclf a  king,  and  reftored  all  his  family,  who  had  been  ex- 
cluded from  public  authority,  to  their  former  dignity.    He 
made  his  citizens,  of  barbarians  that  they  were^  humane,  v 
of  effeminate,  warlike,  and  of  obfcure,  famous ;  and  tho' 
he  had  found  a  place  averfe  to  commerce,  and  enfavag^d, 
yet  he  rendered  it  more  humane  and  civilized :  befides' 
having  a  quarrel  with  the  king,  he  fo  nobly  revenged  him- 
felf, that  the  war  he  carried  on  in  Cyprus,  ought*^  ever  to 
be  remembered :  but,  whilft  he  was  his  ally,  he  was  fo  much 
more  beneficial  to  him  than  the  reft,  that,  by  the  confeifion 
of  all,  he  affifted  him  with  the  greateft  naval  forces  in  the 
battle  at  Cnidos  ;  which  being  over,  the  king  was  confti- 
tuted  lord  of  all  Afia  ;  and  the  Lacedemonians,  tho'  before 
they  wafted  the  continent,  were  forced  to  fight  for  their  own 
City ;  the  Greeks,  inftead  of  flavery,  recovered  their  Jiber- 
ty  i  and  the  Athenians  had  fuch  acceffion  of  power,  that 

P  3  they. 


214       The    ORATIONS 

they,  who  governed  them  before,  now  came  to  offer  them 
the  fovereignty.  Wherefore,  fhould  any  one  afk  me,  which 
I  think  the  noblefl  amongft  the  a6lions  of  Evagoras  j  whe- 
ther his  endeavours  and  preparations  againft  the  Lacedae- 
monians, on  account  of  which  what  was  mentioned  before 
came  to  pafs,  or  his  poflefling  himfelf  of  the  kingdom  in 
laft  war,  or  the  whole  adminiftration  of  his  affairs  ?  I 
fliould  be  in  a  great  hefitation  ;  for  whichfoever  T  once  turn 
my  mind  to,  that  feems  to  me  the  greateft  and  moft  wonr 
derful.  Wherefore,  if  fome  of  the  antients  have  been  made 
immortal  by  virtue,  I  judge  him  to  have  been  thought  wor- 
thy of  the  reward  ;  and  by  this  proof,  that  he  led  a  life  more 
happy  and  acceptable  to  the  gods  than  they,  to  his  c'eath : 
for  we  fhall  find  moft,  and  the  moft  famous  of  the  demi^ 
gods,  to  have  fallen  into  the  greateft  calamities ;  but  Eva- 
goras was  not  only  deferving  admiration  from  the  beainr 
ning,  but  continued  fo,  and  happy  to  the  end,  What 
part  of  happinefs  was  wanting  to  him  ?  who  had  fuch  pa- 
rents as  no  other,  unlefs  thofe  who  were  defcended  from 
the  fame  :  and  he  fo  far  excelled  others  in  body  and  ftrength, 
that  he  was  worthy  not  only  of  governing  Salamis,  but  of 
all  Afia;  and,  when  he  had  moft  glorioufly  acquired  a  king- 
dom, died  in  the  poffeffion  of  it :  in  fine,  tho'  mortal  by  na-? 
turc,  he  left  behind  him  an  immortal  memory  ;  lived  fuch 
a  time,  that  he  was  neither  excluded  from  old  age,  nor 
fubjeiSl  to  thofe  difeafes  which  arife  from  it ;  befides,  what 
is  looked  upon  a  rare  cafe,  he  was  not  deprived  of  a  nu- 
merous and  virtuous  offspring,  but  was  happy  in  this 
too;  and,  what  is  greateft  of  all,  left  none  of  his  defcen- 
dents  ftiled  by  vulgar  names,  but  one  called  king,  others 
princes,  ?.nd  others  princcfi'es :  wherefore,  if  ajiy  of  the 
poets,  ufing  an  hyperbolical  way  of  exprcffion,  have  faid 
fuch  a  one  was  a  god  amongft  men,  or  a  deitv,  it  is  cer? 
tainly  juft  that  the  fame  ftiould  be  faid  of  his  exalted  nar 
ture. 

But  I  judge  many  things  have  efcaped  me,  which  I 
Cipuld  have  faid  of  Evagoras ;  for  I  want  tlie  vigour  of  age, 

whereby 


i*~' 


¥-\-VJ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S,        215 

Xvhereby  I  might  have  finiflied,  in  a  more  accurate  and  ele- 
gant manner,  this  oration.     But  even  now  he  paffes  not  un- 
praifed,  to  the  beft  of  my  abilities.     I,  O  Nicocles !  think 
the  images  of  the  body  beautiful  monuments,  but  the  images 
of  adlions,  and  the  mind,  far  more  worthy,  which  are  only 
to  be  feen  in  eloquent  orations.     I  prefer  thefe  firft,  becaufo 
I  know  noble  and  good  men  are  not  fo  elated  with  the  beau- 
ty of  body,  as  with  the  glory  which  attends  their  aclions  ; 
befides,  that  ftatues  can  only  be  amongft  thofe  where  they 
are  placed,  but  orations  may  fpread  through  Greece,  and, 
thus  diftributed,  be  efteemed  in  the  company  of  wife  men  ; 
amongft  whom  honour  is  more  valuable  than  among  all 
others  ;  bccaufe,  by  ftatuary  or  painting,  none  can  ever  ex- 
prefs^the  nature  of  the  body,  but  it  is  an  eafy  matter  for 
others  to  imitate  their  manners  and  natures,  who  are  repre*^ 
fcnted  by  writing,  if  they  chufe  not  to  be  flothful,  but  good 
men  :  for  whofc  fake  I  have  more  willingly  undertaken  this 
oration  ;  judging,  that  this  will  be  the  moft  honourable  ex- 
hortation to  you,  your  children,  and  all  who  defcend  from 
Evagoras,  if  any  one,  colle6ling  his  virtues,  and  adorning 
them  by  eloquence,  expofe  them  to  your  view,  and  put  it 
in  your  power  to  be  always  converfant  with  them :  for  we 
exhort  others  to  virtue,  by  propoftng  to  them  the  examples 
of  others,  that,  emulating  thofe  who  are  praifed,  they  may 
emulate  the  fame  inftitutcs  with  them;  but  I  exhort  you 
and  yours,  not  ufmg  foreign  but  domeftic  examples,  and 
advife  you  to  be  attentive,  that  you  neither  fall  ftiort,  in 
words  or  anions,  of  any  of  the  Grecians :  nor  think 'I  am 
accufmg  you,  as  if  I  thought  you  little  follicitous  about 
this,  becaufe  I  often  exhort  you  to  the  fame  ;  for  neither  I, 
or  others,  are  ignorant,  that  you  are  the  firft  of  thofe  who 
live  in  regal  power,  amidft  riches  and  pleafures,  who  has 
attempted  to  join  labour  and  philofophy  5  and  that  you  will 
caufe  many  kings,  by  emulation  of  your  learning,  to  love 
fuch  ftudies,  and  omit  thofe  things  which  they  now  tako 
great  pleafure  in.     But  tho'  I  know  this,  yet  I  both  doj^ 
md  will  doj  as  fpedators  at  gymnaftic  games ;  for  they  da 

P  4  m^ 


2i6       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S,  fee. 

not  encourage  the  mean-fpirited,  but  thofe  who  contend 
for  vi(5lory.  It  therefore  becomes  me,  and  other  friends,  to 
fay  and  write  fuch  things,  by  which  we  may  excite  you  ftill 
to  defire  what  you  now  love  :  and  it  becomes  you  to  omit 
nothing,  but  take  care  at  prefent,  and  in  time  to  come, 
that,  by  exercifing  your  mind,  you  may  become  worthy  of 
your  father  and  anceftors  ;  for  it  becomes  all  highly  to  va- 
lue wifdom,  but  efpecially  you  who  prefide  over  fo  many. 
You  ought  not  to  be  content,  if  you  are  better  than  thofe 
who  now  live,  but  grieve,  if,  being  fuch  by  nature,  origin 
nally  defcended  from  Jupiter,  and  lately  from  a  man  of  fuch 
diftinguifhed  virtues,  you  do  not  only  far  excel  others,  but 
thofe  who  are  placed  with  you  in  the  fame  dignity.  It  is  in 
your  power  not  to  fall  fhort  of  this  ;  for  if  you  perfevere  in 
the  ftudy  of  virtue,  and  make  fuch  progrefs  as  hitherto,  you 
will  foon  become  fuch  as  you  ought  to  be,  '     * 


TH5    TENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCRATES: 


OR,    THE 


Praise  of  HELEN. 


THE 


i 


-  -X' 


[       ^19       ] 


The    SUBJECT. 

n^HIS  is,  perhaps,  the  ?ioklcJl  panegyric  that 
ever  was  compofed  of  Heleiiy  exccptijig  Ho- 

7ner's,  which  JJnnes  with  the  pomp,  JiSlion,  and 

beauty  of  all  poetry.     It  has  many  digreffions ; 

but  this  is  natural  on  fuch  an  occafion,  when  the 
fubjeB  is  too  confined.     That  part,  i^elatijig  to 

beauty,  has  been  emulated  by  Lucian,  but  not 

fuccefsfully ,  in  the  opinion  of  the  learned.     This 

difcourfe  fioidd  be  looked  upon  as  a  contefl  of  fo^ 
fhijls  in  their  own  waw 


THE    TENTH 


■'■.' 
■J 


''■  t.     ft  -' 


Oration  of  IsocRATE*: 

OR,    THE 

PRAISE   of  HELEN. 


SOME  there  arc  who  glory,  if  they  can  but  fpcak 
tolerably  on  an  abfurd  fubje^l;  and  fome  have  grown 
old  in  afTerting,  that  no  one  can  fpeak  a  falfity,  or 
affirm  contradI,(Slions,  or  make  two  oppofite  orations  upon 
the  fiime  topics  5  others  arguing,  that  fortitude,  wifdom, 
and  jufHce,  are  the  fame  ;  that  we  have  none  of  them  by^ 
nature,  but  that  inftru(ftion  is  the  caufe  of  them  all.  Others 
pafs  their  time  in  chicanery  about  trifles,  which  conduces  to 
no  good,  but  may  puzzle  thofe  who  will  trouble  themfelves 
in  fuch  ^  manner.  Did  I  perceive  fuch  nonfenfe  had  its 
rife  lately  in  rhetoric,  and  that  fuch  men  could  glory  in  the 
novelty  of  invention,  I  fhould  not  fo  much  wonder  at 
them.  Now,  who  is  there  amongft  us  fo  belated  in  ftudy, 
who  is  ignorant,  that  Protagoras,  and  the  fbphifts  of  thofe 
times,  left  us  fuch,  and  more  laborious  writings  ?  for  who 
can  furpafs  Gorgias,  who  dares  to  fay,  nothing  that  exifts 
is  real  r  or  Zcno,  who  endeavours  to  prove  the  fame  things 
pofTible  and  impoilible  ?  or  MelifTus,  who,  though  created 
things  are  infinite,  endeavoured  to  find  out  reafons,  where- 
by to  demonilrate  that  the  v/hole  univerfe  was  an  unity  ? 
jBut  altho'  they  have  demonflrated  fo  evidently,  that  it  is 
eafy  i'pr  any  one  to  invent  a  falfe  difcourfe  about  what  is 

propofed. 


220       The     ORATIONS 

propofed,  yet  they  continue  in  the  fame  circle ;  whom  it  did 
become,  omitting  the  fallacies  of  words,  whereby  they  have 
promifed  to  evince  any  thing,  but  which  have  been  found 
-     idle  a  long  time,  to  purfue  truth,  and  inllru£>  their  cotem- 
porarics  in  thofc  things  whereby  the  commofi wealth  iub- 
fifls ;  reflecling,  tliat  it  is  far  better,  that  any  one  (hould 
have  a  moderate  judgment  about  ufeful  things,  than  know 
y'  ufclefs  ones  accurately,  and  be  a  little  fuperior  in  great  af- 
^jj^han  to  excel  greatly  in  fmall  things,  and  fuch  as  arc 
^  ays  beneficial  to  life:  but  they  have  nothing  in  view, 
but  to  take  money  from  young  men.     Now,  a  contention 
about  trifles  can  efTcd  this ;  for  thofc  who  neither  heed 
private  or  public  affairs,  are  chiefly  delighted   with  thefe 
orations  which  are  fubfetvient  to  no  good.     Now,  young 
men  ought  to  be  pardoned  for  thinking  fo  ;  for  they  are,  in 
all  refpedls,  attentive  to  thofe  things,  which  are  fuperfluous 
and  wonderful.  But  it  is  juft  to  reprehend  thofe  who  profefs 
to  teach  others,  bccaufc  they  blame  fuch  who  deceive  in  con- 
tracb,  or  ufe  language  wrongfully;  but  do  far  worfe  them- 
felves  than  the  others  5  for  the  others  indeed  may  hurt  ftran- 
gers,  but  they  prejudice  chiefly  their  friends :  fo  that  they 
have  fo  encreafed  the  licence  of  lying,  that  feme  feeing  per- 
fons  enriched  by  fuch  means,  have  dared  to  aficrt  in  writ- 
ing, that  the  Kvcs  cf  mendicants  and  exiles  are  more  to  be 
defired  than  that  of  other  men  ;  and  they  would  havq  this 
pafs  for  a  proof  or  fpecimen,  that  they,  if  they  can  but  fpeak 
any  thing  of  fuch  fcandalous  things,  fhall  eafjy  be  redun- 
dantly copious  upon  good  and  noble  topics.   Now,  it  feems 
to  me  the  mofl  ridiculous  thing  imaginable,  to  endeavour, 
by  fuch  means,  to  prove  themfelves  fkilled  in  political  af- 
feirsi  while  it  is  permitted  them  to  give  a  proof  in  what 
they  profefs  :  for  it  becomes  thofc,  who  contend  about  wif^ 
y       dom,  and  call  themfelves  profeflbrs  of  It,  to  excel  and  ex- 
ceed, in  virtue,  private  perfons,  not  in  thofe  things  which 
are  negleded  by  other  Grecians,  but  in  fuch  as  are  emu- 
lated by  all.  Now,  they  ac^  in  fuch  a  manner,  as  if  a  perfon 
fhould  profefs  himfelf  a  mofl  excellent  combatant,  while  he 

trodc 


of    1  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        22r 

trode  a  fta^-e,  where  none  would  vouchfafc  to  enter.     Who 
that  is  wife  would  praife  calamities  ?     It  is  evident,  they 
have  recourfe  to  fuch  topics  out  of  weaknefs  ;  for  there  is 
one  method  of  all  fuch  writings,  which  it  is  neither  difficult 
to  find,  learn,  or  imitate :  for  common  orations,  fuch  as  are 
worthy  of  credit,  and  the  like,  are  both  invented  and  ex- 
prefiTed  by  many  forms  and  figures,  which  are  diflEcult  to  be 
underftood ;  and  are  fo  much  more  diflRcult  in  the  compofi- 
tion,  as  it  is  more  arduous  to  be  a  grave  perfon  than  a  buf- 
foon, and  adl  a  ferious  than  a  ludicrous  part.     This  is  a 
ckar  proof  of  this  truth  ;  for  none  of  thofe,  who  either 
chufed  to  praife  bees,  fait,  and  the  like,  ever  wanted,  but 
abounded  in  words;  but  all  have  laid,  that  thofe  who  have 
endeavoured  to  fpeak  of  what  was  confefl^edly  good  and  lau- 
dable, or  of  thofe  who  diftinguifhed  themfelves  by  virtue, 
have  fallen  far  fliort  of  what  might  have  been  fpoken;  for    y 
it  is  not  the  part  of  the  fame  genius  to  fpeak  worthily  of*/ 
both  kinds  of  thefe  topics ;  but  it  is  an  eafy  matter  to  ex- 
ceed, by  language,  fmall  fubjeds ;  on  the  contrary,  to  equal 
the  fublimity  of  the  other,  is  very  diflRcuIt :  fo  it  is  an 
arduous  talk  to  invent,  upon  celebrated  topics,  what  no  one 
has  faid  before  ;  but  whatever  any  one  happens  to  fpeak  of 
low  and  abjecSt  fubjeds,  is  his  own.l  Wherefore  I  praife 
him  particularly,  who  has  written  the  encomium  of  Helen, 
of  all  thofe  who  would  write  elegantly ;  becaufe  he  made 
that  woman   his  fubjed,  who  excelled  in  her  origin,  her 
beauty,  and  glory.     But  fomething  efcaped  his  judgment: 
he  fays,  he  defigns  her  panegyric ;  but  h's  difcourfe  is  an 
apology  for  what  (he  did.     Now,  fuch  an  oration  is  not  of 
one  and  the  fame  form  or  kind,  but  the  quite  contrary ;  for 
an  apology  ought  to  be  made  for  thofe  who  are  guilty  of  in- 
juftice  :  and  that  I  may  not  do  what  is  the  eafiefl,  repre- 
hend others,  but  produce  nothing  myfelf,  I  will  endeavour 
to  fpeak  concerning  her ;  omitting  all  that  has  ever  been 
faid  of  her  by  others. 

I  WILL  make  her  firft  origin  the  beginning  of  xny  dif- 
courfe 5  for  tho'  many  demi-gods  were  begotten  by  Jupiter, 

he 


%2.z       The    ORATIONS 

he  vouchafed  alone  to  be  called  the  father  of  this  woman  % 
and  tho'  he  was  follicitous  about  the  fon  of  Alcmena,  he  fo 
far  honoured  Helen  above  Hercules,  that  he  gave  him 
ftrength  indeed,  whereby  he  might  conquer  by  force  all 
others,  but  to  her  he  gave  beauty,  which  vanquifhes  ftrength 
itfelf,  and  has  a  natural  empire  over  it.  And  knowings 
that  fplendor  and  glory  arife  not  from  inactivity,  but  from 
war  and  confli£ls  j  and  not  defigning  only  to  exalt  theis* 
bodies  among  the  gods,  but  appropriate  immortal  honour? 
to  them,  he  made  the  life  of  the  one  obnoxious  to  labour 
and  dangers,  but  the  nature  and  perfection  of  the  other' 
fuch  as  was  to  be  admired  and  contended  for  by  war. 

And,  firfl:,  Thefeus,  faid  to  be  the  fon  of  i^gcus,  but. 
In  reality,  of  Neptune,  having  {z^w  her,  tho'  not  in  the  full 
bloom  of  age,  but  far  excelling  others,  he,  who  was  accuf- 
tomed  to  conquer  others,  was  fo  vanquifhed  by  her  beauty, 
that,  tho'  he  had  an  extenfive  country,  and  a  fafe  kingdom, 
he  thought  the  poficiTion  of  all  his  prefent  goods  nothing 
without  enjoyment  of  her :  but  when  he  could  not  have  her 
from  thofe  under  whofe  authority  Ihe  was  (for  they  waited 
for  her  age,  and  the  Pythian  oracle),  defpifing  the  kingdom 
of  Tyndarus,  nay,  defpifing  the  flrength  of  Caflor  and  Pol- 
lux, negleding  all  the  dangers  he  might  incur  at  Sparta,  and 
feizing  her  by  force,  he  carried  her  off  to  Aphidna,  a  town 
in  Attica.     And  he  was  fo  grateful  to  his  friend  Pirithous, 
who  aififted  him  in  the  enterprize  of  this  ravifhment,  that 
when  his  friend  would  needs  pofTefs  Jupiter   and  Ceres'^ 
daughter,  and  exhorted  him  to  make,  in  concert,  a  defcent 
into  hell,  when  he  could  not  by  his  advice  difluade  him, 
tho'  certain  calamity  was  in  view,  yet  he  would  accom- 
pany him;  judging  he  ought  to  make  him  this  return,  and 
difobey  none  of  Pirithous's  commands,  for  the  dangers  he 
had  run  for  his  fake.     If  he,  who  did  all  this,  had  been  one 
of  the  vulgar,  and  not  of  the  mod:  excellent  amongft  man- 
kind. It  could  not  as  yet  be  clear,  whether  this  was  a  praifo 
of  Helen,  or  an  accufatlon  of  Thefeus.     Now,  amongft 
other  illuftrious  men,  we  fiudl  find  fome  to  have  wanted 

fortitude? 


\\ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       223 

fortitude,  fome,  wifdom,  fome,  other  parts  of  virtue  ;  but 
we  ihall  perceive  him  to  have  wanted  none  of  thefe,  but  to 
have  been  poflefTed  of  compleat  virtue :  I  think  I  ought  to 
fpeak  more  at  large  of  him ;  for  I  judge  this  to  be  the 
ilrongeft  argument  that  any  who  praife  Helen  can  ufe,  if  it 
is  proved,  that  all  they  who  admired  her,  deferved  more 
admiration  themfelves  than  others.  As  for  what  happens 
in  our  times,  we  have  a  right  to  judge  of  fuch  things  ac- 
cording to  our  bed  opinions ;  but,  in  regard  of  antient 
thingrs,  we  muft  take  care  that  our  fentlments  are  confonant 
to  the  fentlments  of  thofe  who  thought  juftly  in  thofe  times. 
What  I  have  to  mention  as  to  Thefeus's  honour,  particu- 
larly, is,  that  he  made  his  glory  emulous  of  Hercules,  who 
was  born  in  the  fame  time  3  for  they  were  not  only  deco-; 
rated  with  the  fame  arms,  but  they  followed  the  fame  infti- 
tutes,  a6ting  as  it  was  worthy  of  thofe  of  the  fame  family; 
for  being  begctten,  the  one  by  Jupiter,  the  other  by  Nep- 
tune, they  had  fimilar  affedions ;  for  they  alone,  of  all  who 
had  lived  before,  became  combatants  for  the  lives  and  good 
of  mankind.  It  happened,  that  the  one  did  the  more  fa- 
mous and  greater  exploits ;  but  the  other,  fuch  as  were  more 
beneficial  and  related  to  the  Grecians :  for  Euryftheus  or- 
dered the  one,  that  he  fhould  drive  from  Erythea  certaia 
oxen,  carry  off  the  Hefperian  apples,  drag  up  Cerberus  from 
hell,  and  undertake  other  labours  of  this  kind,  by  which  he 
could  not  benefit  others,  but  run  hazards  himfelf.  But  no 
fooner  was  the  other  mafter  of  his  own  condudl,  than  he 
chofe  fuch  conflicts,  whereby  he  might  be  judged  the  bene- 
factor of  all  Greece,  or  his  own  country  ;  and,  after  he  had 
conquered  alone  that  bull  which  had  been  fent  in  by  Nep- 
tune, deftroyed  the  country,  and  was  dreaded  by' all,  he 
freed  all  thofe  who  inhabited  the  city  from  great  fear  and 
tumult.  After  this,  being  an  ally  with  the  Lapithae,  and 
undertaking  an  expedition  againll:  the  Centaurs,  conquer- 
ing thofe  double-bodied  monfters,  who  excelled  in  fwiftnefs, 
in  ftrength,  and  boldnefs,  deftroyed  fome  cities,  were  ready 
to  wafte  others,  and  threatned  others,  he  foon  quelled  their 

inib* 


i24       The    O  R  A  t  1  6  N  S 

infolence,  and  fhortly  after  extlngulflied  their  whole  race^' 
About  the  fame  time,  when  that  monfter  had  appeared, 
which  was  born  in  Crete  of  Pafiphae,  the  daughter  of  the 
fon,  to  whom  the  city  was  ordered  by  the  oracle  to  fend 
fourteen  youths  as  a  tribute,  feeing  them  dragged  away,  and 
accompanied  by  the  people,  to  an  unjuft  and  premature 
death,  he  conceived  that  indignation,  that  he  judged  it  bet- 
ter to  die  than  live  bafely,  governing  a  city,  which  wa^ 
forced  to  pay  fuch  a  miferable  tribute  to  enemies.  Sailing 
therefore  with  the  others,  and  vanquifhing  that  monfter, 
compofed  of  a  man  and  bull,  with  ftrength  adequate  to  fuch 
a  nature,  he  reftored  the  children  fafe  to  their  parents,  and 
heed  the  city  from  fuch  an  unjuft,  cruel,  and  inevitable 
burden, 

I  AM  dubious  how  I  ihall  employ  my  other  aro-uments ; 
for,  fmce  I  am  come  to  the  adlions  of  Thefeus,  and  begin- 
ning to  fpeak  of  them,  I  am  not  willing  to  break  off  in  the 
middle,  and  omit  the  barbarity  of  Sciron,  Cercyon,  and 
the  like  ;  engaging  with  whom,  he  freed  Greece  from  many 
and  great  calamities.  I  perceive,  I  am  hurried  too  far,  and 
am  afraid,  left  I  ftiould  have  more  concern  for  him  than  my 
firft  fubjedl:  I  chufe,  therefore,  rather  to  omit  many  things, 
for  the  fake  of  thofe  who  are  delicate  auditors,  and  fpeak  of 
what  remains  as  briefly  as  poftible,  that  I  may  partly  comply 
with  their  humour,  and  partly  with  my  own ;  for  I  am 
determined  not  to  be  entirely  worfted  by  thofe  who  envy 
others,  and  iind  fault  with  all  that  is  faid  by  them.  He 
therefore  ftiewed  his  fortitude  in  thofe  aclions,  when  he 
fought  alone  ;  but  he  ftiewed  his  knowledge  in  military  af- 
fairs, in  thofe  battles,  when  he  was  aftifted  by  the  whole 
city ;  and  his  piety  towards  the  gods,  both  in  the  fuppli- 
cations  of  Adraftus  and  the  children  of  Hercules ;  for  he 
faved  the  latter,  by  conquering  the  Peloponnefians,  and  he 
gave  thofe  who  had  fallen  under  the  Cadmean  caftle,  in 
fpite  of  the  Thebans,  to  be  buried.  He  proved  his  other 
virtues  and  moderation,  both  by  the  fore- mentioned  in- 
ftances,  and  particularly  by  his  adminiftration  of  the  city; 

for. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       225 

for  obfervlng,  that  they,  who  endeavoured  to  govern  the 
city  by  violence,  were  flaves  to  others,  and  thofe  very  per- 
fons,  who  would  make  the  lives  of  others  full  of  danger* 
were  fo  ftruck  with  fears  themfelves,  that  they  were  forced 
to  enter  into  war,  jointly  indeed  with  the  city,  againft  invad- 
ing enemies,  but  with  others  againft  fellow-citizens ;  that 
they  fpoiled  the  temples  of  the  gods,  flew  the  beft  of  citizens, 
were  diffident  of  their  neareft  relations,  nor  were  happier  than 
thofe  who  are  imprifoned  for  capital  crimes  j  yet  that  they 
appeared  externally  happy,  while  they  grieved  internally 
more  than  others  (for  what  can  be  more  intolerable  than  to 
live  continually  in  fear,  left  fome  flander-by  fliould  take  a- 
way  one's  life,  and  no  lefs  dread  their  guards  than  aflaflins?) 
Defpifmg  fuch  wretchednefs,  and  thinking  fuch  not  princes, 
but  plagues  of  the  city,  he  ftiewed  it  was  eafy  both  to  go- 
vern, and  be  in  no  worfe  condition  than  thofe  who  live  as 
private  perfons.  And,  firft,  he  colledled  together  the  citizens, 
who  dwelt  in  feparate  and  fcattered  villages,  into  one  place, 
and  made  the  city  fo  great,  that  it  remains  to  this  day  the 
largeft  of  all  Greece.     Afterwards,  when  he  eftablifhed  his 
country  upon  the  principle  of  equality,  had  freed  the  minds 
of  his  citizens  from  fears,  he  let  the  pretenflon  to  magi- 
ftracy  be  common  to  all ;  being  as  full  of  noble  courage, 
fhould  they  do  their  beft  efforts,  as  if  they  were  funk  in 
indolence :  for  he  thought  thofe  honours  more  pleafmo- 
which  are  conferred  by  brave  men,  than  thofe  which  arc 
by  flaves ;  and  he  was  fo  far  from  doing  any  thing  contrary 
to  the  will  of  the  citizens,  that  he  made  the  people  lords  of 
the  government ;  but  they  would  have  him  only  to  govern 
judging  hi,s  monarchy  more  upright  and  equitable  than  their 
own  democracy.     He  did  not,  as  fome  do,  transfer  the  la- 
bour to  others, while  he  himfelf  alone  enjoyed  pleafures  j  but 
he  aflumed  dangers  to  himfelf,  and  made  all  utility  com- 
mon :  therefore  he  paft  his  life  beloved,  nor  ever  was  ex^ 
pofed  to  treachery.     Nor  did  he  preferve  his  power  by  fo- 
reign troops ;  but  was  furroundcd,  as  it  were,  by  a  guard, 
with  the  benevolence  of  his  own  citizens.     He  reigned  by 

Q,  power. 


226       The    ORATIONS 

power,  but  he  was  popular  by  beneficence  ;  for  he  governed 
the  city  with  fuch  juftnefs  and  glory,  that  there  aie  ftill 
traces  of  his  lenity  in  our  manners. 

How  fliould  wc  then  do  otherwife,  than  praife  her  who 
was  begotten  by  Jupiter,  and  endowed  with  fuch  virtue 
and  modefty,  and  think  (he  muft  have  excelled  all  women 
who  ever  w'ere  ?  for  we  cannot  bring  a  more  unanfwerable 
teftimony  of  the  excellencies  of  Helen,  than  the  judgment 
of  Thcfeus.     But  that  I  may  not  feem  to  dwell  upon  the 
fame  topic,  on  account  of  the  barrennefs  of  my  fubjed,  nor 
mifufeone  man's  praife  to  make  her  encomium,  I  fhall  pur- 
fue  my  difcourfe.    For,  after  the  defcent  of  Thefeus  to  hell, 
when  fhe  was  returned  to  Lacedxmon,  and  arrived  at  a 
proper  age  for  marriage,  all  who  then  reigned,  and  obtained 
the  principality  in  their  cities,  had  the  fame  opinion  of  her  ; 
for  tho'  they  could  have  married  the  chief  women  in  their 
refpecliv  e  cities,  defpifmg  domeftic  alliances,  all  fought  af- 
ter her  in  marriage.     Even  while  he  was  not  yet  chofen, 
who  was  to  live  with  her  (but  fortune  was  dill  common), 
it  wasfo  evident  to  all,  -that  flie  would  be  contended  for  by 
war,  that,  in  an  aflembly,'they  gave  their  folemn  promife  to 
each  other,  they  would  aflift  him,  if  any  one  ihoulddareto 
take  her  by  violence  from  him,  who  was  judged  worthy  of 
poflefling  her ;  and  each  concluded  he  was  procuring  this  fe- 
curity  for  himfelf:  but  all,  except  one  man,were  difappointed 
of  their  private  hope;  yet  none  cf  them  were  deceived  in 
that  opinion  which  they  had  of  her  :  for  no  great  time  be- 
ing ^lapfed,  and  a  difputc  happening  among  the  goddefTes 
concerning  their  beauty,  Alexander  the  fon  of  Priam  was 
conftituted  arbiter;  and  tho'  Juno  offered  him  the  empire 
of  all  Afia,  Minerva  vidories  in  war,  but  Venus  the  pof- 
feffion  of  Helen,  not  being  capable  of  judging  of  fuch  god- 
deffes  bodies,  but  dazzled  with  their  rays,  and  forced  to  be 
rather  a  judge  of  the  rewards,  he  preferred  the  enjoyment  of 
Helen  before  all ;  not  that  he  principally  regarded  pleafure 
(tho'  it  is  preferred,  and  by  wife  men,  before  many  things), 
but  he  aimed  not  fo  much  at  that,  but  to  become  and  be 

called 


»< 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       12Z 

called  the  fon-in-law  of  Jupiter ;  thinking  this  honour  far 
greater,  and  more  glorious,  than  the  kingdom  of  Afia;  that 
great  empires  and  power  may  be  the  portion  of  worthlefs 
men,  but  that  none  of  all  pofterity  would  ever  be  judged 
worthy  of  fuch  a  woman.  Befides,  he  confidered  this,  that 
he  could  not  leave  a  more  noble  poffeffion  to  his  children, 
than  if  he  procured  them  this,  that  they  fhould  be,  upon 
account  of  father  and  mother,  defcended  from  Jupiter* 
He  knew,  that  the  other  goods  of  fortune  foon  pafs  over 
to   others;    but   that  nobility  is  the  inheritance  of  the 
fame.     Wherefore  he  forefaw,  that  this  choice  would  be- 
nefit all  his  pofterity ;  but  that  the  other  gifts  would  only 
concern  the  age  in  which  he  lived.     No  wife  man,  I  fup- 
pofe  now,    will  reprehend  his  fentiment,    though  fome 
of  thofe  who  confider  nothing  which  precedes,  but  the 
event  alone,  have  reviled  him ;  whofe  folly  is   eafy  to 
be  learned  by  thofe  reproaches  which  they  have  caft  out 
againft  him.     Muft  they  not  be  thought  to  aft  abfurdly,  if 
they  imagine  their  judgment  is  better  than  his,  which  was 
preferred  by  all  the  goddeflbs  ?  for  they  did  not  make,  upon 
their  great  difpute,  any  fortuitous  perfon  judge ;  but  it  is 
evident,  that  they  were  as  foUicitous  about  a  proper  judge, 
as  the  thing  in  queftion.     We^re  to  confider  who  he  was, 
and  not  form  our  ideas  from  the  refentment  of  the  difap- 
pointed goddefles,  but  from  their  difpofition,whiIe  they  pre- 
ferred his  judgment  to  that  of  all  others.    It  is  ufual,  that 
thofe  fhould  fuffer  from  the  more  powerful, who  have  defer ved 
no  harm;  but  no  mortal  could  have  been  appointed  judgo  be- 
tween goddeffes,  or  had  fuch  an  honour,  unlefs  he  exceeded 
in  wifdom.     I  wonder  any  one  can  think  him  to  have  con- 
fulted  ill,  if  he  chofe  to  live  with  her,  for  whofe  fake  many 
of  the  demi-gods  chofe  to  die.     How  could  he  be  other- 
wife  than  foolifli,  if,  while  he  faw  that  goddefl^es  con- 
tended about  beauty,  he  ftiould  have  defpifed  it  ?  nor  have 
efteemed  that  the  greateft  gift,  which  they  were  the  moft: 
follicitous  about  ?  Who  would  have  defpifed  the  bed  of  He- 
len ?  on  account  of  whofe  being  carried  off  from  her  huf-    * 

Q^  2  band, 


228       The    ORATIONS 

banc],  all  the  Greeks  were  fired  with  an  equal  indlgnatiort, 
as  if  Greece  had  been  entirely  plundered  ;  and  the  Barba- 
rians became  as  infolent  as  if  they  had  conquered  us  all. 
It  is  evident  what  were  the  difpofitions  of  both ;  for  tho' 
many  diflenfions  had  happened  betwixt  them  before,  yet 
they  remained  quiet :  but  they  ftirred  up  fo  great  a  war  for 
her,  not  in  refpedl  of  the  heat  only,  but  time  alfo,  and  the 
variety  of  preparations,  as  none  were  before.  And  when 
it  was  permitted  the  one  party,  by  the  reflitution  of  He- 
len, to  be  freed  from  calamities,  and  the  other,  by  the  ne- 
gledl  of  her,  to  pafs  their  whole  lives  in  fecurity,  neither 
of  them  would  do  Co ;  but  one  fide  fufi'ercd  their  cities  to 
be  overthrown,  and  their  country  to  be  laid  waftc,  before 
they  would  reftore  her  to  the  Grecians ;  and  the  other 
chofe  to  grow  old  in  a  foreign  land,  never  to  fee  their  own 
again,  rather  than,  leaving  her  behind,  return  into  their  own 
countries.  They  did  not  do  this  upon  account  of  Alexander 
and  Menelaus ;  but  as  on  one  fide  contending  for  Afia,  and 
the  other  for  Europe ;  thinking,  that  in  whatever  part  of  the 
world  fhc  lived,  it  would  be  the  more  happy.  And  fuch  ardor 
was  there  in  regard  of  that  expedition,  not  only  in  Greeks 
and  Barbarians,  but  likewife  in  the  gods  themfelves,  that 
they  did  not  even  pfeferve  their  own  children  from  thofe 
conflicts  which  happened  before  Troy.  But  tho'  Jupiter 
foreknew  the  fate  of  Sarpedon,  Aurora  that  of  Sarpdon^ 
Neptune  that  of  Cygnus,  Thetis  that  of  Achilles,  yet  they 
exhorted  them  to  it,  and  fent  them  with  others  ;  judging  it 
would  be  more  glorious  for  them  to  die  fighting  for  the 
daughter  of  Jupiter,  than  live  without  encountering  dangers 
for  her ;  nay,  they  themfelves  fuftained  a  harder  and  more 
dubious  conflidl  than  what  they  had  undergone  againft  the 
giants:  for  they  fought  againft  thefc  in  mutual  league;  but 
for  her  they  fought  againft  one  another.  They  certainly 
judged  rightly  ;  and  1  may  ufethis  loftinefs  of  expreflion  on 
this  occafion.  She  had  the  greateft  fhare  of  beauty,  which, 
of  all  thing?,  is  certainly  the  moft  admirable,  valuable,  and 
divine.     It  is  an  cafy  matter  to  know  its  power;  for  it  will 

appear 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       229 

appear  to  have  been  more  honoured  than  valour,  wifdom, 
or  juftice  ;  and  we  ihall  find  what  is  deprived  of  beauty  to 
be  had  in  no  account,  but  every  thing  to  be  de'pifed,  if  it 
does  not  participate  of  it ;  nay,  that  virtue  itfelf  is  chiefly 
celebrated,  becaufe  its  fludy  is  the  moft  beautiful  of  all. 
But  it  may  be  known  from  hence,  how  far  beauty  excells  all 
other  things,  if  we  confider  the  difpofition  of  our  minds  to- 
wards it ;  for  we  defire  only  to  be  pofTefled  of  the  other 
things  we  ftand  in  need  of,  nor  are  we  affeded  by  them  in 
our  minds  any  further ;  but  fuch  a  defire  is  implanted  in  us 
of  what  is  beautiful,  that  it  has  fo  much  greater  ftrengtl^' 
than  prudence,  as  the  nature  of  beauty  is  the  moil-  excel 
lent:  and  we  envy  thofe  who  excel  in  underftanding,  or  an 
other  thing,  unlefs  they  daily  oblige  us,  and  force  us  to  lov 
them;  but  we  are  favourable  to  the  beautiful,  as  foon  aa 
ever  we  fee  them,  and  are  never  weary  of  worihipping 
them,  as  if  they  were  gods ;  nay,  we  more  willingly  obey 
fuch  than  command  others,  thinkins;  ourfelves  more  oblio-ed, 
tho'  they  give  us  many  commands,  than  if  they  commanded 
nothing  at  all.  Thofe  who  addrefs  themfelves  to  perfons 
poflefTed  of  other  excellencies,  we  are  apt  to  reproach,  and 
call  flatterers ;  but  we  think  thofe  elegant  and  ingenious, 
who  devote  themfelves  to  beauty  ;  nay,  we  have  fuch  a  re- 
fpea  and  reverence  for  this  quality,  that,  fliould  any  a- 
mongft  thofe  who  are  pofleiTed  of  beauty,  proflitute  it  for 
money,  and  depreciate  their  youth,  we  fligmatize  them 
with  more  infamy  than  thofe  who  have  offered  violence  to 
the  bodies  of  others :  but  as  for  thofe  who  have  preferved 
their  beauty  inaccelfible  to  others  as  a  temple,  we  honour 
them  ever  after,  as  thofe  who  have  done  fome  fignal  good  to 
the  city.  Why  fhould  we  fpend  time  in  mentioning  human 
opinions  ?  Even  Jupiter,  who  governs  all,  {hews  his  power  in 
other  regards,  but  he  does  not  difdain  to  approach  beauty  in 
an  humble  manner ;  for  he  approached  Alcmena  in  the  form 
of  her  hufband  Amphitryon ;  he  enjoyed  Danae,  flowing 
into  her  lap  like  gold  ;  but  he  fled  to  the  bofom  of  Neme- 
fis  under  the  transformation  of  a  fwan  ;  and,  again,  affimi- 

Q.  3  lating 


W>-s 


k>-^ 


230       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

latinghimfelf  to  the  famebirdjhe  carefled Leda.  'TIs  certain, 
that  he  always  prevailed  over  fuch  natures  by  art,  and  not 
by  violence ;  nay,  there  is  fo  much  the  greater  honour  paid 
amongft  the  gods  to  beauty,  than  amongft  us,  that  they 
pardon  their  wives  when  they  are  overcome  by  beauty;  and 
it  is  an  eafy  matter  to  enumerate  many  immortal  goddefles, 
who  have  been  too  weak  for  mortal  beauty  ;  none  of  whom 
would  have  thefadl  concealed,  as  if  it  had  been  any  difgrace; 
but  as  if  all  had  pafled  to  a  wonder,  they  would  rather  have 
fuch  things  celebrated   by  hymns  than  concealed.     The 
greateft  proof  of  what  I  have  faid  is,  that  we  fhall  find 
more  made  immortal  for  beauty  than  all  other  excellencies ; 
fill  whom  Helen  as  far  excelled,  as  (he   furpafled  them  in 
the  beauty  of  her  face.     She  not  only  obtained  immorta- 
lity, but,  acquiring  a  power  equal  with  the  gods,  firft  of 
all  fhe  immortalized  her  brothers,  who  had  been  fubjedl:  to 
death ;  but,  defigning  to  make  this  change  illuftrious,  fhe 
conferred  on  them  fuch  confpicuous  honours,  that,  if  they 
were  feen  by  thofe  who  were  in  danger  at  fca,  all  Ihould  be 
faved  who  prayed  to  them  with  devotion :  and,  afterwards, 
fhe  fhewed  fuck  gratitude  toMenelaus  for  all  his  labours  and 
dangers  which  he  underwent  upon  her  account,  that,  when 
the  whole  family  of  Pelops  was  ruined,  and  fallen  into  in- 
extricable calamities,  fhe  did  not  only  free  him,  but, -after 
fhe  had  made  him  of  a  mortal  a  god,  fhe  made  him  her  co- 
partner, and  afTefTor  for  ever.     And  I  can  have,  for  witnefs 
of  thefe  things,  the  city  of  Sparta,  which  is  particularly 
careful  of  preferving  antiquities ;  for  even  yet,  at  Therap- 
use,  in  the  Laconian  territory,  they  make  folemn  facrifices 
to  them,  by  their  country's  ritual,  not  only  as  to  heroes, 
but  as  to  divinities.     She  likewife  fhewed  her  power  to  the 
poet  Stefichorus ;  for,  in  the  beginning  of  a  poem,  having 
'  written  fomething  of  fatire  againft  her,  he  rofe  next  day 
deprived  of  his  fight ;  but  after,  upon  his  underftandingthe 
caufe  of  his  calamity,  he  made  what  is  called  his  recanta- 
tion, the  goddefs  reftored  him  to  the  fameflate  in  which  he 
was  before.     Some  of  the  Homerides  likewife  afHrm,  that, 

ftand^ 


•e-:/l 


'   *,. : 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  8.       231 

Handing  by  Homer  in  the  night-time,  fhe  ordered  him  to 
compofe  his  poem  of  thofe  who  had  fought  at  Troy;  hav- 
ing a  mind  to  render  their  deaths  more  eligible  than  the  lives 
of  others  :  and  that  it  was  partly  by  the  genius  of  Homer, 
but  chiefly  upon  her  account,  that  his  poem  is  fo  full  of 
beauty,  and  famous  every-where.     Therefore  it  becomes 
thofe,  who  excel  in  riches,  to  appeafe  and  honour  her  with 
donations,  facrifices,  and  other  religious  worfliip,  as  one 
who  is  capable  of  inflicting  punifhment,  and  fhewing  gra- 
titude ;  and  it  becomes  the  learned  and  eloquent  to  endea- 
vour to  fay  fomething  worthy  of  thofe  excellencies  which 
fhined  out  in  her ;  for  it  certainly  would  redound  to  the 
honour  of  the  liberally-educated,  to  offer  her  fuch  firft- 
fruits  of  their  genius. 

Much  more  has  been  omitted  by  me  than  might  have 
been  faid  ;  for  we  ought  to  think,  that  befides  both  thefe 
arts,  fciences  and  utilities,  which  may  be  referred  to  her 
and  the  Trojan  war,  that  it  is  juflly  alfo  owing  to  Helen, 
that  we  are  not  flaves  to  the  Barbarians ;  we  fliall  find,  that, 
by  her  means,  the  Greeks  became  united,  undertook  a 
common  expedition  againft  the  Barbarians,  and  Europe 
then,  for  the  firfl  time,  ereded  a  trophy  for  the  conquefl  of 
Afia ;  whence  happened  fuch  a  change,  that  tho',  in  former 
times,  fuch  as  were  unhappy  amongft  the  Barbarians  thought 
themfelves  worthy  of  reigning  in  Grecian  cities,  Danaus 
the  Egyptian  fugitive  had  feized  Argos,  Cadmus  the  Sido- 
nian  had  reigned  in  Thebes,  Cares  had  polTefTed  the  iflands, 
and  Pelops,  the  fon  of  Tantalus,  fubdued  all  Peloponnefus  ; 
yet,  after  this  war,  our  nation  received  fuch  increafe,  that  it 
fnatched  many  cities,  and  a  fpacious  country,  from  the  Bar- 
barians. Wherefore,  if  any  will  handle  more  accurately, 
and  protradl:  thefe  topics,  he  will  not  want  an  opportunity 
of  praifing  Helen  beyond  what  I  have  done;  but  fuch  will 
find  out  many  new  and  noble  arguments  for  making  her  elo- 
gium. 


Q4 


THE 


! 


II 


THE    ELEVENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES 


O  R, 


His  Panegyric  of  Bu  sir  is, 


[  235  ] 


5^l8ii3IISiS«a34i3^a3«^8S^i3*^ifl3*^S0^S«^^^ 


The     SUBJECT. 

jDUSIRIS  isfamcus  in  hifiory,  This  oration 
'^  feems  written  to  conz'ince  afophiji  of  bis  ab- 
furdityj  licho  had  delighted  in  ivriting  upon  ex- 
travagant  fubjeBs^  and  dared  to  compoje  a  mer- 
Cenary  oration  for  the  perfecution  of  Socrates^  a 
man  who  Jhone  with  all  human  virtues.  It  con- 
tains^ tho  digrefjlvely^  fine  and  juji  Jentiments^ 
md  deferves  to  be  read  for  its  art  and  ornaments. 


^ 


*•- 


**-:- 


I 


i 
0 


\      '' 


> 


I 


THE    ELEVENTH 

Oration  of  I  SO  crates: 

O  R, 

His  Panegyric  of  Busiris. 

IHAVEunderftood  from  others,  O  Poly  crates !  your 
moderation  and  change  of  life ;  and  having  read  my- 
felf  fome  of  thofe  difcourfes  which  you  have  publifhed, 
I  ftiould  willingly  reafon  with  you  about  your  method'  of 
inftrudlion,  which  you  have  been  obliged  to  engage  in  ;  for 
I  think,  that,  upon  all  fuch  as  are  undefervedly  unhappy, 
and  endeavour  by  literature  to  gain  money,  all  who  are 
more  experienced  and  accurate  ought  to  confer  fuch  a  fa- 
vour.    But  as  we  have  never  yet  met  together,  when  we 
happen  to  do  fo,  we  may  difcourfe  about  other  things  more 
at  laro-e.     In  regard  of  fuch  benefits  as  I  can  do  you  at  pre- 
fent,  I  think  I  ought  now  to  communicate  them  to  you, 
but  carefully  conceal  the  fame  from  others ;  for  I  know, 
that  it  is  natural  to  moft  of  thofe  who  are  admonifhed,  that 
they  do  not  confider  the  utility,  but  are  the  more  offended, 
in  proportion  as  fuch  monitors  more  accurately  infpedl  into 
their  errors.     But  yet  thofe  who  are  of  a  benevolent  mind 
to  others,  muft  not  be  afraid  of  incurring  fuch  miftaken 
refentment,  but  muft  endeavour  to  change  their  fentiments, 
who  are  afFedled  in  this  manner  againft  thofe  who  confult 
their  good.     Having  obferved  therefore,  that  you  do  not  a 
little  glory  in  the  defence  of  Bufiris,  and  the  accufation  of 

I  Socrates, 


[  235  ] 


^m^m^^^B^^m^mi^m^^m^m^t 


The     SUBJECT. 

jDUSIRIS  isfamctis  in  hiftory.  This  oration 
"^^  feems  written  to  convince  afophijl  of  his  ab- 
furdity^  ivho  had  delighted  in  writing  upon  ex- 
travagant  fubjeSls^  and  dared  to  compofe  a  mer^ 
cenary  oration  for  the  perfecution  of  Socrates ^  a 
man  who  Jhone  with  all  human  virtues.  It  con- 
tainsj  tho  digrejjively^  fine  and  jufi  jentiments, 
end  deferves  to  be  read  for  its  art  and  ornaments. 


.    '  tf - 


^must- 


THE    ELEVENTH 

Oration  of  I  SO  crates: 

O  R, 

His  Panegyric  of  Bu  sir  is. 

IHA VE  underftood  from  others,  O  Polycrates !  your 
moderation  and  change  of  life ;  and  having  read  my- 
felf  fome  of  thofe  difcourfes  which  you  have  pubUfhed, 
I  fhould  willingly  reafon  with  you  about  your  method'  of 
inftru£lion,  which  you  have  been  obliged  to  engage  in  ;  for 
I  think,  that,  upon  all  fuch  as  are  undefervedly  unhappy, 
and  endeavour  by  literature  to  gain  money,  all  who  arc 
more  experienced  and  accurate  ought  to  Confer  fuch  a  fa- 
vour.    But  as  we  have  never  yet  met  together,  when  we 
happen  to  do  fo,  we  may  difcourfe  about  other  things  more 
at  laro-e.     In  regard  of  fuch  benefits  as  I  can  do  you  at  pre- 
fent,  I  think  I  ought  now  to  communicate  them  to  you, 
but  carefully  conceal  the  fame  from  others ;  for  I  know, 
that  it  is  natural  to  moft  of  thofe  who  are  admonifhed,  that 
they  do  not  confider  the  utility,  but  are  the  more  offended, 
in  proportion  as  fuch  monitors  more  accurately  infpedl:  into 
their  errors.     But  yet  thofe  who  are  of  a  benevolent  mind 
to  others,  muft  not  be  afraid  of  incurring  fuch  miftaken 
refentment,  but  muft  endeavour  to  change  their  fentiments, 
who  are  afFedled  in  this  manner  againft  thofe  who  confult 
their  good.     Having  obferved  therefore,  that  you  do  not  a 
little  glory  in  the  defence  of  Bufms,  and  the  accufation  of 

I  Socrates, 


^ 


236        The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

Socrates,  I  will  endeavour  to  convince  you,  that  you  have 
departed  from  the  duty  of  an  orator  in  both  thefe  difcourfes; 
for  tho'  it  is  known  by  all,  that  it  is  part  of  thofe  who  will 
praife  others,  to  attribute  more  excellencies  to  them  than 
they  are  pofTefTed  of,  and  of  them  who  accufe,  to  do  the 
contrary,  it  is  far  from  being  true,  that  you  have  ufed  elo- 
quence in  this  manner ;  for  tho'  you  profcfs  to  write  a  de- 
fence of  Bufiris,  you  are  fo  far  from  freeing  him  from  thofe 
crimes  which  are  objeded  to  him,  that  you  have  charged 
him  with  fuch  an  atrocious  degree  of  wicicednefs,  as  cannt)t 
poflibly  be  exceeded  by  invention;  for  tho' others,  who  en- 
deavoured to  reproach  him,  only  accufed  him  of  this,  that  he 
facriiiced  the  f Grangers  who  came  to  him,  you  have  accufed 
him  even  of  devouring  the  very  men.  But  when  you  would 
accufe  Socrates,  as  if  you  had  defigned  to  praife  him,  you 
£ive  him  Alcibiades  for  a  pupil ;  whom  no  one  ever  knew 
to  have  been  educated  by  Socrates ;  but  that  he  far  excelled 
others,  all  men  are  well  acquainted.     Wherefore,  was  it 
permitted  the  dead  to  determine  of  thofe  things  which  have 
been  faid  by  you,  the  one  would  return  you  thanks,  and 
the  other,  tho'  he  had  been  the  moft  humane  of  all  men, 
yet  would  be  fo  inflamed  with  indignation,  that  he  would 
abftain  from  no  revenge.     But  why  fhould  not  that  man 
blufh  rather  than  glory,  who  ought  to  be  better  loved  by 
thofe  who  have  been  reviled  by  him,  than  by  thofe  who  have 
been  praifed  ?  And  you  fo  far  negled  the  care  of  fpeaking 
confiftently,  that  you  fay,  Bufiris  was  emulous  of  the  glory 
of  i^olus  and  Orpheus  ;  but  yet  you  demonftrate,  that  he 
applied  himfelf  to  none  of   thofe  ftudies  and   inflitutes, 
which  they  excelled  in.     Can  we  compare  his  adions  with 
thofe  of  iEolus,  as  mentioned  in  hiftory  ?  for  the  latter  fcnt 
back  in  fafety  to  their  coimtrics,  fuch  Grangers  as  had  been 
caft  upon  his  fhore  ;  but  the  other  (if  we  are  to  believe 
what  is  faid  by  you)  eat  the  guefts  whom  he  had  facrificcd. 
Shall  we  compare  him  with  Orpheus  ?  he  brought  back  the 
dead  from  hell  ;  but  Bufiris  flew  others  immaturely  :  fo  that 
I  fhould  be  defirous  of  knowing  what  that  man  would  have 

1  donej 


m 


r; 


..Us. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      237 

d'dne,hacl  he  defpifed  the  merits  of  others,  when  he  evU 
dently  did  fuch  things  to  thofe  whofe  virtues  he  admired  ? 
But  what  is  the  moft  glaringly  abfurd,  is,  that,  handling 
the  topic  of  genealogy,  you  have  dared  to  advance,  how 
that  he  imitated  them,  whofe  fathers,  in  thofe  times,  were 
not  born.  But  that  I  may  not  feem  to  do  what  is  moft 
eafy,  reprehend  what  has  been  faid  by  others,  and  give  no 
proof  of  myfelf,  I  will  endeavour  to  explain  to  you  briefly, 
even  upon  this  fubjea,  .which  is  not  reputable,  nor  admit- 
ting of  an  illuftrious  oration,  how  one  fliould  make  a  pa- 

negyric,  or  an  apolcgy. 

Who  is  there,  who  cannot  fpeak  of  the  nobility  of  Bu- 
firis ?  whofe  father  was  Neptune,  and  mother  Libya,  the 
daughter  of  Epaphus,    the  fon   of  Jupiter ;    who,   they 
fay,'' the  firft  of  women  obtained  a  kingdom,  and  left  her 
name  to  it.     But  having  "fuch  parents,  he  was  not  proud 
on  that  account;  but  judged,  he  ought  to  leave  a  monu- 
ment of  his  virtues  to  all  pofterity.     He  therefore  defpifed 
his  mother's  kingdom,  as  thinking  it  unworthy  of  him  ; 
but  having  conquered  very  many,  and  acquired  a  great 
power,  he  fixed  his  kingdom  in  Egypt,  becaufe  he  thought 
it  not  only  amongft  all  the  regions  he  poiTefled,  but  the 
nobleft  feat  of  all  other  countries  of  the  earth ;  for  he  faw 
other  places  not  fituated  opportunely  and  conveniently,  in 
refpea  of  the  nature  of  the  whole  univerfe,  but  fome  to 
be  inundated  by  (bowers,  and  others  fcorched  by  heats ; 
yet  that  this  country,  fituated  in  the  beautifuUeft  part  of 
the  globe,  could  produce  the  moft  and  beft  fruits,   and 
vras  furrounded  by  the  Nile,  as  with  an  impregnable  wall, 
was  appointed  by  nature  not  only  to  give  it  fafety,  but 
plenty  of  provifions;  and  tho'  it  was  infuperable  and  in- 
vincible to  enemies,  yet  was  commodious  for  carriages, 
and  ufeful,  in  many  refpeds,  to  thofe  who  dwelt  within  it. 
Befides  what  I  have  mentioned,  he  made  their  power  in 
agriculture  almoft  divine ;  for  as  for  Ihowers  and  droughts 
which  Jupiter  is  the  difpenfer  of  to  others,  of  both  thefe 
rendered  he  himfelf  matter.     And  the  Egyptians  arrived  at 

that 


238       The    ORATIONS 

that  pitch  of  happinefs,  that  they  enjoy  the  continent  In 
the  excellency  and  nature  of  their  foil,  and  the  extent  of 
their  fields,  and  feem  to  inhabit  an  ifland,  by  the  exporta- 
tion of  their  producSts,  and  the  importation  of  what  is  wanU 
ing  to  them  j  for  the  Nile  running  round  and  through  it, 
has  fupplied  them  with  both  thefc  conveniencies.  He  there- 
fore began,  as  all  wife  men  fhould,  by  chufing  the  pleafanteft 
place,  and  providing  fufficiency  for  all  his  fubjeds. 

Afterwards,  diftributing  them  all  by  order,  fomehe 
made  priefts,  others  he  turned  to  trades,  others  he  obliged 
to  excrcife  the  arts  of  war;  judging,  that  things  neceflary, 
I  and  riches,  muft  arife  from  agriculture  and  mechanics; 
j  and  that  the  fureft  protection  of  them  is,  military  prac- 
tice, and  religion  towards  the  gods.     And,  afterwards,  he 
took  the  compleateft  meafures   to  lay  down  fuch  rules, 
whereby  the  ftate  might  be  moft  prudently  governed  ;  he 
ordered  they  fhould  continually  keep  up  the  fame  vocations, 
knowing  well,  that  thofe  who  change  their  employments, 
become  improper  to  iinifh  any  thing  accurately ;  but  that 
each  of  thofe  who  continue  conftant  in  the  fame  ftudies, 
arrive  at  excellency.     Wherefore,  we  fhall  find  them  more 
excelling  thofe  who  are  converfaj^t  in  the  fame  fciences,  thaa 
artificers,  in  other  places,  thofe  who  are  ignorant  of  them  ; 
and,  in  refpe(St  of  that  order,  whereby  they  preferve  the 
kingdom  and  the  commonwealth,  they  fo  well  behave  them- 
felves,  that  even  thofe  philofophers,  who  have  chofen  to 
fpeak  upon  thefe  topics,  and  arc  the  moil  famous,  prefer 
the  form  of  government  in  Egypt  before  all  others;  and 
the  Lacedaemonians,  by  intermixing  fome  of  their  laws* 
govern  their  city  in  the  beft  and  wifeft  manner;  for  in  as 
much  as  no  one  of  the  military  men  travels  abroad  without 
leave  of  the  magiftrate,  that  they  have  common  feafls  and 
exercifes  of  the  body,  and,  by  wanting  none  of  the  necef* 
faries  of  life,  negledl  not  the  public  edids,  nor  bufy  them- 
felves  in  other  arts,  but  apply  their  minds  to  arms  and  expe- 
ditions ;  I  fay,  they  have  had  all  thefe  maxims  thence.    But 
the  Lacedaemonians  have,  fo  much  the  more  imprudently 

than 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         239 

than  they,  ufed  thefe  inftitutes,  that,  by  making  themfelves 
all  foldiers,  they  endeavour  to  feize  upon  others  pofTeflions; 
but  the  Egyptians  live  fo  as  becomes  thofe  who  neither  ne-  .^ 
glea  their  own,  or  lie  in  wait  for  v^at  belongs  to  others.  ; 
Afiy  one  may  perceive  the  difference  of  the  methods  in  go- 
verning the  two  commonwealths  thus:  for  fhould  we  all  imi- 
tate the  floth  and  avarice  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  we  fhould 
foon  perifh,  both  on  account  of  the  want  of  daily  food, 
and  intefline  wars  amongfl:  ourfelves ;  but  fhould  we  fol- 
low  the  inflitutes  of  the  Egyptians,  fome  of  us  apply  our- 
felves  to  induftry,  and  others  to  the  protedion  of  the  flate, 
we  fhould  all  of  us  pafs  our  days  happily  in  our  own  poiTcf- 
fions.     Moreover,  any  one  may  juflly  imagine  him  to  have 
been  the  origin  of  the  fludy  of  wifdom ;  for  he  procured 
the  priefls  affluence,  by  religious  revenues,  infpired  them 
with  temperance,  by  ritual  fandity,  and  he  furnifhed  them 
with  leifure,  by  immunities  from  war  and  other  dangers; 
and  living  thus  amidft  fuch  advantages,  they  invented  the 
help  of  phyfic,  not  that  indeed  which  ufes  hazardous  reme- 
dies, but  fuch  as  has  a  fecurity  like  to  daily  food.     They 
were  authors  of  fuch  benefits,  and  they  are  confefTed  to  be 
the  mofl  healthy  and  long-lived  of  all  men.  They  have  like- 
wife  fhewn  their  ingenuity  by  the  fludies  of  philofophy,  (o 
as  both  to  have  inflituted  laws,  and  fearched  into  the  na- 
ture of  all  things.     But  he  appointed  the  old  men  for  the 
practice  of  what  was  befl,  and  perfuaded  the  youth  to  de- 
fpife  pleafures,  and  be  converfant  with  the  fludies  of  afbo- 
nomy,  arithmetic,  and  geometry;   which  faculties  fome 
praife  as  conducive  to  other  things,  and  fome  endeavour  to 
demonflrate,  that  they  conduce  highly  to  the  attainment  of 
virtue  :  but  it  is  particularly  jufl  to  praife  and  admire  their 
piety  and  worfliip  of  the  gods ;  for  as  many  as  fo  prepare 
themfelves  as  to  be  more  efleemed  for  philofophy,  or  any 
virtue,  than  they  deferve,  hurt  certainly  the  deceived  :  but 
they,  who  fo  keep  up  the  dignity  of  religion,  that  its  re- 
wards and  punifhmcnts  feem  furer  than  other  events,  mufl 
greatly  benefit  mankind ;  for  they,  who  at  firfl  flruck  us 

with 


I 


z^o       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

with  this  fear,  were  the  caufe  that  we  live  not  amongft  one 
another,  not  in  a  favage  manner  as  beads  ;  but  they  behave 
themfelves  with  fuch  holinefs  and  gravity  in  this  regard,  that 
their  religious  oaths  are  kept  much  more  facred  than  they 
are  amongft  other  people  ;  and  each  thinks  he  ihall  imme- 
diately fufFer  for  his  fault,  nor  lie  hid  at  prefent,  and  the 
penalty  be  transferred  to  his  children :  and,  doubtlefs,  they 
judge  right  in  this  manner.     He  appointed  for  them  many 
and  various  divine  exercifes,  and  ordered  them  by  law,  to 
worfhip  fome  of  thofe  animals  which  are  defplfed  amongft 
us;  not  that  he  was  ignorant  of  their  natures,  but  that  he 
judged  it  proper  both  to  accuftom  the  common  people  to 
obey  the  magiftrates  in  all  commands,  and  have  an  experi- 
ence, in  manifeft  things,  what  notion  the  vulgar  had  of  hid- 
den ones  ;  for  he  judged,  that,  perhaps  thofe  who  defplfed 
fuch  things,  would  defpife  greater  ;  but  that  thofe,  who  ob- 
ferved  order  in  all,  had  given  a  proof  that  their  piety  was^ 
eftablifhed  *.     Now,  one  who  did  not  haften  to  a  conclu- 
Con,  might  fpeak  many  and  pompous  things  of  their  fanc- 
tity,  which  it  is  not  I  who  have  firft  obferved,  but  many 
likewife  both  of  the  prefent  and  paft  ages;  of  whom  Py- 
thagoras the  Sam/ian  is  one;  who  travelling  into  Egypt,  and 
becoming  their  difciple,  he  both  introduced  the  other  philo- 
fophy  into  Greece,  and  more  man ifeflly  fhewed  his  zeal  in 
what  belongs  to  facrifices  and  confecrations  in  temples ; 
thinking,  that  tho'  he  fhould  obtain  nothing  more  for  this 
from  the  gods,  yet  he  fhould  thereby  be  rendered  particu- 
larly famous  amongft  all  men ;  which  indeed  happened :  foF 
he  fo  far  excelled  others  in  fame,  that  all  youths  defired  to 
be  his  difciples,  and  old  men  rather  chofe  to  fee  their  chil- 
dren converfant  with  him  than  attentive  to  bufmefs.    None 
can  dift)elieve  this ;  for  even  now  we  more  admire  fuch, 
who  profefs  themfelves  his  difciples,  for  their  very  filencc, 
than  thofe  who  have  acquired  the  greateft  glory  by  their 
eloquence. 

•  This  is  perhaps  the  befl  apology  for  .all  the  fuperilitions 
which  remain  among  Chrillians. 

Perhaps, 


t::-    • 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       241 

^Perhaps,  you  will  objccl  to  what  has  been  fald,  that  I 
praifc  mdeed  the  country,  laws,  piety,  and  wifdom  of  the 
i^gyptians  ;  but  I  can  give  no  proof,  that  he  was  the  author 
of  what  I  have  mentioned.     Should  any  one  elfe  reprehend 
me  in  this  fort,  I  fliould  think  he  defigned  inacnioufly  to 
blame 'me ;  but  you  ftiould  not  u(e  fuch  an  argument  •  for 
when  you  praifed  Bufiris,  you  took  it  in  vour  head  to  fay 
that  he  made  the  Nile  flow  round  E.ypt,  and  devoured 
thofe  foreigners  who  came  there ;  but  that  he  did  this  you 
gave  no  proof.     Now,  is  it  not  ridiculous  to  require' that 
of  others,  which  you  do  not  attempt  yourfelf  ?    You  are 
remoter  than  I  from  fpeaking  things  credible,  becaufe  I  do 
not  aiTert  him  author  of  any  thing  impo/Tihle,  but  of  laws 
and  ^he  eftabliftiment  of  a  commonwealth ;  which  are  the 
works  pTgood-  and  famous' men.     But  you  make  him  the 
cfFeaer  of  what  no  mortal  ever  performed  :  for  one  of  the 
aaions  you  attribute  to  him,  is  beftial  fava<ienefs,  and  the 
other,  an  acl  of  the  power  of  the  gods.    Belldes,  if  both  of    ■  / 
us  fpeak  what  is  falfe,  j^I  have  uM  fuch  expre/Tions  as^ 
become  thofe  who  praifc  others ;  but  you,  fuch  as  are  pro- 
per  for  them  who  difpralfe.     Wherefore  it  is  certain,  that 
}'ou  have  not  only  erred  in  the  truth  of  things,  but  in  the 
very  forms,  whereby  we  ought  to  praife.     In  fine,  if,  omit- 
tmg  your  oration,  my  oration  was  to  be  examined,  none 
would  reafon4)l£^dift^        for  was  it  certain,  that  fome 
others  had  done  thofe  tilings,  which  I  fay  were  done  by 
him,  I  would  confefs  myfelf  too  bold,  if  I  endeavoured  to 
change  their  opinions  about  things  which  all  knew.     But 
fmce  the  fubje^  is  common,  and  we  are  to  make  a  con^ 
jeaure,  whom  would  any  one  believe  to  have  been  the  au- 
thors of  the  cuftoms  eftablifiied  there,  if  he  confidcrs  the 
thing  in  a  probable  light,  rather  than  him  who  was  begot- 
ten by  Neptune,  derived  by  his  mother  from  Jupiter, ^"^in- 
vefted  with  the  greateft  power  of  any  in  his  time,  and  moft 
famous  amongft  all  ?     It  is  not  congruous,  that  thof  who 
were  rather  deprived  of  thefe  advantages,  fhould  have  been 
the  authors  of  fuch  good  to  tJieir  country  before  him, 

^  More- ' 


242       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

Moreover,  it  is  eafy,  from  the  times,  to  convid  thofe  ha* 
ranguers,  who  have  endeavoured  to  difpraife  him,  of  evident 
falfehood  j  for  they  accufe  Bufirls  of  the  (laughter  of  his 
guefts,  and,  they  fay,  he  was  (lain  hlmfelf  by  Hercules* 
Now,  it  is  agreed  by  all  writers  of  hiHory,  that  Hercules  was 
later  by  four  ages  than  Perfeus  the  fon  of  Jupiter  and  Danae  j 
but  that  Bufiris  was  above  two  hundred  years  earlier  than 
Peifeus,  Now,  how  is  it  otherwife  than  abfurd,  that,  when 
you  defigned  to  refute  the  afperfions  caft  upon  him,  you 
omitted  this  argument,  which  is  fo  evident,  and  fupported 
with  fo  great  ftrength  ?  But  you  had  no  care  of  truth,  you 
followed  the  calumnies  of  the  poets,  who  aflert  thofe  to 
have  perpetrated  and  fufFered  more  atrocious  things,  who 
were  born  from  gods,  than  thofe  who  were  begotten  by  the 
moft  wicked  men  ;  nay,  they  have  compofed  fuch  fiaions 
of  the  gods  themfclves,  as  no  one  would  dare  to  make  of 
his  enemies  ;  for  they  have  not  only  reproached  them  with 
thefts,  adulteries,  and  flavery  to  men,  but  the  eating  of  chil- 
dren,  caflration  of  parents,  concubinage  with  mothers, 
and  a  variety  of  other  enormous  crimes  :  for  which,  in- 
deed, they  did  not  fuffer  worthy  punifhment,  but,  how- 
ever, they  did  not  go  off  quite  unpunifhed ;  for  fome  of 
them  were  vagabonds,  and  deftitute  of  daily  food  ;  others 
flruck  blind  ;  others  banifhed  their  countries,  and  forced  to 
carry  on  war  with  their  relations  and  domeftics  all  their 
lives.  Orpheus,  who  was  the  particular  inventer  of  fuch 
fables,  was  torn  to  pieces;  wherefore,  if  we  are  wife,  we 
ihall  never  imitate  their  writings,  nor  fhall  we  majce  laws 
againft  thofe  who  abufe  one  another,  and  bear  with  impu- 
nity the  licence  of  declaiming  againft  the  gods  :  we  fhall 
take  care,  and  think  tliofe  who  fay  fuch  things  equally  guilty 
with  thofe  who  believe  them.  I  judge,  not  only  the  gods, 
but  their  children,  were  never  guilty  of  any  crimes ;  but, 
being  by  nature  themfelves  endowed  with  all  virtuevi^e-. 
came  the  leaders  and  mailers  to  others  in  all  virtuous  ftudies ; 
for  it  muft  be  abfurd  to  fuppofe,  that  the  gods  take  care  of 
the  happiness  of  our  children,  and  \L;.i  they  are  negligent 

of 


i^X 


of    I  S  O  C  il  A  t  E  S.        i^2 

toF  their  own.     If  any  of  us  could  become  lord  of  human 
hature,  fuch  a  one  would  not  fuffer  his  domeftics  tb  bfe  vil- 
lains :  I  fay  then,  could  there  be  fuch  lords  of  mankind^ 
with  what  indignation  fhould  we  refent  it,  if  they  fuffered 
their  own  children  to  be  impious  and  profligate  ?    And  do 
you  think,  that  you  fhall  render  thofe  who  come  to  you  as 
difciples,  tho'  not  belonging  to  you,  virtuous ;  and  yet  judge? 
the  gods  take  no  manner  of  care  of  their  own  offspring  ? 
In  your  opinion,  they  are  not  free  from  two  of  the  bafeft 
crimes ;  for,  if  they  will  not  have  them  to  be  good,  they 
are  of  a  worfe  difpofition   than  men ;  but  if  they  wouldj 
and  are  Ignorant  of  the  methods,  they  have  lefs  power  than 
even  fophifts; 

Tho*  many  things  remain  on  this  fubjedl,  by  which  any 
-  one  might  amplify  this  panegyric  and  defence  ;  yet  I  think 
I  ought  not  to  ufe  a  more  diffufe  difcourfe ;  for  I  have 
treated  of  thefe  things,  not  out  of  a  view  of  giving  others 
a  demonftration,  but  of  inftruding  you,  how  one  oucrht 
to  execute  both  thefe  defighs.     Any  one  would  think  that 
oration  which  you  wrote,  was  not  a  defence,  but  a  confef- 
fion  of  the  crimes  of  Bufiris.     You  do  not  free  him  from 
crimes,  but  you  fhew  fome  others  have  done  the  fame ;  as 
if  this  would  be  the  eafieft  refuge  for  the  guilty.  But  it  is  no 
eafy  matter  to  imagine  any  crime,  which  has  not  already  in 
fome  time  been  committed ;  and  we  judge  none  of  thofe 
are  guilty  of  an  atrocity,  provided  fome  others  have  done? 
the  like  ;  muft  we  not  thereby  render  defence  open  to  all, 
and  give  a  great  licentioufnefs  to  all  who  are  inclined  to  be 
Ivicked  ?  You  will  particularly  perceive  the  abfurdity  of  the 
things  you  have  advanced,  if  you  confider  them  in  refpcdb 
to  yourfelf.     Refle£i:  i  was  you  guilty  of  great  and  enor- 
mous crinies,  and  fhould  any  defend  you  in  fuch  a  manner^ 
in  what  temper  would  you  be  on  fuch  an  occafion  ?     I 
know,  you  would  more  deteft  him  than  your  very  accufers; 
But  how  can  it  be  otherwife  than  difgraccful,  to  make  fuch 
a  defence  for  others,  as,  were  it  made  for  yourfelf,  you 
Would  be  filled  with  indignation  ?    Confider  this,  and  exa- 

R  a  mine 


i 


244    The    ORATIONS,  Sec. 

mine  It  in  your  mind  :  If  any  of  your  intimate  friends  flioulJ 
be  induced  to  perpetrate  fuch  things  as  you  commend,  how 
could  he  avoid  being  the  mofl  miferable  both  of  thofe  who 
now  are,  and  of  all  that  have  been  ?  Now,  does  it  become  a 
man  to  write  fuch  an  oration,  the  bed  quality  of  which  is  to 
perfuade  no  body  ?  Perhaps,  you  will  fay,  you  were  not  ig- 
norant of  it ;  but  had  a  mind  to  fet  an  example  to  the  ilu- 
dious  of  eloquence,  how  it  becomes  a  perfon  to  make  de- 
fences of  bafe  and  infamous  caufes.  But  if  you  was  igno- 
rant of  it  before,  I  fuppofe  it  is  now  evident  to  you,  that 
any  one  will  foonerbe  abfolved  by  faying  nothing,  than  by 
making  fuch  a  defence.  This  likewife  is  manifcll",  that  tbo' 
philofophy  labours,  as  it  were,  under  fatal  ncceflity,  and  is 
hated  by  all>  it  muft  become  much  more  odious  to  all  by 
fuch  ©ration?.  Wherefore,  if  you  will  liilen  to  me,  you 
"will  not  handle,  for  the  future,  fuch  in>pious  fubjcdls  ;  or, 
at  leafl,  you  will  endeavour  to  fay  fuch  things,  by  which  you 
may  neither  (ccn  more  wicked  yourfelf,  nor  corrupt  your 
imitators,  nor  bring  the  profefTion  of  eloquence  into  dif- 
grace.  Nor  wonder,  if  I,  who  am  younger,  nor  any  way 
related  to  you,  now  admonifti  you  fo  freely ;  for  I  do  not 
think  it  the  office  of  the  elder,  or  the  moll  intimate,  but  of 
thofe  who  are  the  moft  able  and  willing  to  benefit^  to  givs 
good  counfel  to  others. 


THE    TWELFTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES 


CALLED    THE 


PANATHENAICUS3 


THE 


O  R, 


PANEGYRIC  of  ATHENS. 


R3 


[  247  ] 


.« 


The    SUBJECT. 

i 

TTE  begins  with  a  commemoration  of  bis  old 
J^  age,  of  his  manner  of  writing  bis  life,  md 
the  calumnies  of  fophijis :  then  he  fays,  that  the 
Athenians  deferved  better  of  Greece  than  any 
others.     But  tba  he  had  touched  upon  this  topic 
before  in  the  panegyric,  yet  he  fays,  that  was  not 
fo  proper  an  opportunity  as  this.     He  compares 
the  Athenians  merits  with  thofe  of  the  Lacedce- 
tnonians,  a?id  gives  the  preference  to  the  former. 
In  fine ^  he  ufes  every  art  to  extol  the  Athenians^ 
and  concludes,  after  his  frequent  manner,    in 
pleading  his  old  age  and  infirmity  as  an  excufe ; 
thd  he  evidently  defires  confiderate  readers,  and 
fatirizes  the  folly  andrafmefs  of  the  dull  and  in- 
attentive in  pajjing  their  judgment  of  his  compo- 
fit  ion.    Methinks,  I  hear  old  Nefior  f peaking  in 
this  oration,  whom  Homer  has  rendered  famous 
for  felf-praife,  tho"  founded  on  merit. 


\ 


-•jj/' 


THE    TWELFTH 


Oration  of  IsocRATEs: 


CALLED    THE 


PANATHENAICUSj 

O  R, 

PANEGYRIC  of  ATHENS. 


WHEN  Ijvas  jounger,  I  did  not  chufe  to  write 
fabulous  orations,  nor  fucb  as  were  full  of  pro- 
digies and  lies,  which  the  vulgar  generally  more 
delight  in  than  fuch  as  are  calculated  for  their  good ;  nor 
cfid  I  chufe  thofe  which  explain  the  antient  tranfadlions  of 
the  Grecians,  tho'  I  knew  that  they  were  juftly  praifed  ; 
nor  fuch  as  are  efteemed  of  a  fimple  nature,  nor  admit  of 
ornament ;  which  thofe  do  who  are  efteemed  to  excel  in 
the  handling  litigious  fuits,  if  they  thus  would  conquer  their 
adverfaries.  But,  omitting  all  topics  of  this  nature,  I  em- 
ployed myfelf  in  thofe  difcourfes,  which  belonged  to  the 
advantage  of  our  city,  might  be  the  hint  of  good  advice  to 
other  Grecians,  were  filled  with  many  enthymens,  with  an- 
'^^^^thefes,  and  other  rhetorical  figures,  which  make  eloquence 
Ijjine,  and  the  auditors  to  applaud,  and  be  in  tranfport.  But 
I  meditate  nothing  of  this  now  \  for  I  do  not  think  it  is  pro- 
per for  ninety-four  years,  which  I  am  of,  nor  any  who  have 

— ' R  ^ -~rH.-e^.. —  grey 


24S       The    ORATIONS 

grey  hairs,  to  exprefs  thcmftlves  in  that  manner ;  but  in 
fuch  a  one,  as  tho*  all  might  hope  for,  or  defire,  yet  none 
could  ealily  attain,  but  by  intenfely  labouring,  and  employ- 
ing their  whole  mind.     I  have  fpoke  thus  in  the  preface,  to 
the  intent,  that  if  this  oration,  which  is  now  to  be  recited, 
Ihould  appear  of  a  gentler  nature  than  thofe  which  have  beea 
pubhfiied  before,  none  may  compare  it  with  their  variety, 
but  would  judge  of  it  by  its  merit?  in  the  prefent  cafe  ;"  for 
I  will  diicourfc  of  the  aiStions  performed  by  our  city,  and 
of  the  virtue  of  our  anceflors,  not  indeed  beginning  with 
them,  but  from  what  has  happened  to  myfelf.     I  think  this 
concerns  me  mofl  j  for  tho'  I  endeavoured  to  live  blame-^ 
leG,  and  without  offence  to  any  one,  Ihi.vepafied  no  part 
of  my  life, without  being  attacked  with  calumnies  by  wicked 
and  obfcure  fop^ills^  and,  ^.s  I  cannot  be  known  perfo- 
nally  by  fome,  am  judged   fuch  as  they   have  heard  from 
others  :  I  therefore  defign  to  fpeak  of  myfelf  firft,  and  of 
thole  who  are  in  fuch  a  olfprfition  towards  me,  that>  if  I 
can,  I  mvy  retrain  them  from  abufmg  me,  and  inform 
others  in  what  ftudies  they  ought  to  employ  thcmfelves  : 
for  if  I  can  perfectly  explain  myfelf  on  this  fubjedl,  I  hope 
I  iLall  pafb  the  remainder  of  my  life  without  moleftation,  and 
thofe,  who  are  pi  efent,  will  be  more  attentive  to  the  oiation 

* 

which  is  reciting.  •     , 

•  I  WILL  not  be  afhamed  to  exprefs  clearly,  neither  my. 
prefent  perturbation,  nor  the  abfurdity  I  am  confcious  of, 
nor  will  I  reafcn  whetrier  I  am  doing  what  becomes  me.  In 
the  iirft  place,  let  me  fay,  I  have  obtained  the  greateft 
goods,  whi^h  all  would  wifh  thcmfelves  to  be  poffefled  of,, 
health  both  of  body  and  mind,  not  in  an  ordinary  degree, 
but  fo  as  I  might  contend  with  thofe  who  have  enjoyed  thefe 
qualities  in  the  happieft  degree.  Secondly,  that  plenty  of 
neceifary  things,  that  1  never  wanted  what  was  moderate* 
and  a  prudent  man  would  xfefire.  And,  lattly,  I  have  not 
lived  as  a  vulgar  abje£l  peffon,  but  fuch  an  one  as  the  po- 
liteft  of  the  Greeks  have  made  mention  of,  and  ftiled  the 
b^ft  of  mankind.  Tho'  all  thefe  things  happened  to  me,  fome 


oflSOCRATES.       249 

in  an  extraordinary,  and  fome  in  a  fuiHcient  degree,  yeX  I 
am  not  contented  to  live  fo  ;  but  my.  old  age  i^  fo  morofc 
and  querulous,  that  I  have  often  found  fault  with  my  ge-    . 
nius  (which  yet  no  one  has  dcfpifed),  and  even  ^pitied  my^ 
fortunes ;  tho*  I   have  nothing  to  find  fault  with  on  thls^ 
head,  but  that  I  have  pafTed  my  life  in  the  ftudy  of  phikr^- 
fophy,  which  has  expofed  me  to  certain  calamities  and. ca- 
lumnies.    I  knew,  I  had  a  nature  which  was  too  infirm  and 
fpft  for  the  tranfaction  of  burinefs,  nor  adequate  toconfum-, 
mate  eloquence,  nor  proper  for  all  things,  but  yet  .capable 
to  conjecture  of  the  truth  of  things,  better  than  tliofe  whOj 
made  profcflion  of  knowing  it;  tho',  to  confcfs  ingenu^^ 
oufly,  I  wai  Ufuequal  to  fpeak  of  thefe  things  in  public  af- 
femblies  more  than  any  man;  for  I  am  fo  deftitute  of  both 
thofe  things,  whicn  have  the  greateli:  power  with  us,  a  fufii- 
ficient  voice  and  boldnefs,  that  I  queftion  whether  any  of; 
the  citizens  is  more  ;  and  thofe  who  have  not  thefe  faculties, 
i\xc  more  defpifed,  and  are  call  into  an  inferior  rank,  thai^ 
thofe  who  are  obnoxious  to  the  public ;  for  the  latter  may- 
pay  their  penalties,  but  the  former  can  never  f:hange  their 
natures.     Yet  I  did  not,  for  all  this,  out  of  a  bafe  and  ab-: 
jecl  mind,  fufFer  myfelf  to  be  entirely  inglorious  and  obfcure ; 
but  feeing  I  am  incapable  of  any  public  admlniftration,  I 
had  recourfc  to  ftudy,  induftry,  and  writing  what  [judged 
proper ;  not  chufing  flight  fubjeds,  fmall  things,  private 
contracts,  or  fuch  other  things,  as  others  trifle  about,  but 
of  the  concerns  of  Greece,  kings,  and  the  republic;  for 
which.,  I  thought,  I  ought  the  more  to  be  honoured,  than, 
thofe  who  afcend  our  venal  roftrum,  as  Icompofed  orations 
on  greater  and  more  beautiful  fubjeds  ;  which  yet  has  net 
happened  to  me  :  and  all  know,  that  many  orators  dare  not 
to  fpeak  of  fuch  things  as  will  benefit  the  commonwealth, 
but  of  fuch   as  will  be  lucrative  to  thcmfelves  ;  but  they 
know,  that  both  I  and  mine  have  not  only  more  abllaincd 
than  others  from  the  public  goods,  but  have  been  at  greater 
expences  for  the  public  neceflities  than  our  circumftances 
admitted:  befide?,  they  fee  others  in  aflemblics reproaching 

one 


u_, 


/ 


L 


250        The     ORATIONS 

Qn€  another  about  depofitums,  troublefome  to  their  friends^ 
&  calumniating  fuch  others  as  occur ;  but  me,  to'have  been 
ih€  author  of  fuch  orations,  which  exhort  the  Greeks  both 
u>  concord  ambngft  one  another,  and  to  undertake  an  ex- 
pedittdn  againft  the  Barbarians,  which  counfel  them  to  fend 
cat  common  colonies  to  fuch  a  fpacious  region,  which^ 
whoever  have  heard  of,  fay,  that,  if  we  become  wife,  and 
ohiit  our  mutual  rhadnefs,  we  fhall  eafily  feize  on  without 
labours  and  d^gers,  and  that  it  will  eaiily  contain  all,  who 
now  want  necelfaries  amongft  us. )  Now,  did  all  aiTembled 
together  examine  mto  thofe  things,  they  could  never  find 
cut  adljons  more  glorious,  greater,  or  more  conducive  to  our 
intereft.  But  tho*  we  fo  vary  anflong  ourfelves  in  opinions, 
and  I  have  fo  far  a  nobler  topic,  yet  the  vulgar  have  nol 
judged  rightly,  but  in  an  inconfiderate,  rafh  manner,  of  my 
intention  ;  for  altho'  they  reproach  the  conduct,  and  repre- 
hend the  manners  of  other  orators,  they  make  them  magi- 
firates  andmafters  of  themfclves;  and  while  they  praife  my 
orations,  they  envy  me,  for  no  other  reafort^  but  for  the 
very  orations  which  they  approve :  fo  unluckily  am  I  cir- 
cumftanced  with  them.     But  why  {hould  we  wonder  at 
thofe,  who  have  fuch  a  difpofition  againft  aJl  excellency, 
when  fome  of  thofe,  who  think  they  excel  and  emulate  me, 
nay,  defire  to  imitate  me,  are  more  my  enemies  than  the 
unlearned?  Who  can  find   bafer  perfons  than  fuch?     I 
will  fay  it,  tho'  I  may  feem  to  fpeak  with  more  haughti^ 
ncfs  and  (harpnefs  than  fuits  my  age,  that  thofe  men,  tho* 
they  can  teach  their  difciples  nothing  without  the  afTiftance 
of  what  I  have  faid,  and  they  ufe  my  orations  as  examples, 
nay,  live  by  them,  they  are  fo  far  from  gratitude  to  me, 
that  they  not  only  neglect  me,  but  are  always  fpeaking 
ibme  evil  of  me.  While  they  ill-treated  my  orations,  com- 
paring them  with  their  own  ;  while  they  read  mine  in  as  bad 
a  tone  as  poilible,  not  dividing  them  juftly,  but  tearing  them 
afunder,  in  fhort,  everj^  way  depraving  them,  I  fet  light 
hy  what  was  told  me,  and  bore  all  patiently.     But  I  was 
fiJled  with  indignation  on  their  account,  a  little  while  before 

the 


^ 


n 


'\ 


I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       251 

^e  great  Athenian  aflembly  5  for  fome  of  niy  friends  meet- 
ing me,  told  me,  that  three  or  four  of  the  herd  of  fophifts, 
i"  Hows  who  pretend  to  know  every  thing,  and  fly  fwiftly 
from  place  to  place,  were  fitting  together  in  the  Lyceum, 
and  difcourfing  about  the  poets,  and  particularly  Hefiod 
and  Homer,  producing  nothing  of  their  own,  but  how- 
ever repeating  their  verfes  in  a  rhapfodical  manner,  mixed 
with  the  moft  elegant  pafTages  in  other  writers.     Some  in 
tht  company  having  approved  of  their  difputation,  one  of 
them,  bolder  than  the  others,  began  to  revile  me,  faying, 
I  defpifed  things  of  this  nature  ;  that  I  overturned  the  in- 
iftitutesand  ftudiesof  all,  and  that  I  declared  all  v\^ere  deli- 
rious, who  did  not  follow  my  difcipline  ;  and  when  this  had 
been  faid,  fome  became  lefs  friendly  difpofed  to  me.     I 
cannot  exprefs  how  much  I  grieved,  and  was  difturbed,  to 
think,  that  any  fhould  believe  I  would  fpeak  in  fuch  a  man- 
ner ;  for  I  thought  it  Was  fo  evident,  that  I  always  declared* 
myfelf  againft  thofe  who  boaft  of  themfclves,  and  that  I 
always  thought  moderately  and  humbly  of  myfelf,  that  no. 
man  could  be  thought  worthy  of^edit,  who  would  fay, 
that  I  ever  ufed  fuch  arrogance.     But  I  have  not  without 
reafon  complained  of  my  unhappinefs,  which  has  always^ 
attended  me  from  fuch  men.  This  is  the  caufe  of  all  the  fal-' 
fities  fpread  about  me,  of  the  calumnies  and  invidious  lan- 
guage, and  that  I  cannot  acquire  the  general  efteem  which  I 
deferve,  nor  that  which  is  granted  qie  by  all  others, or  which 
fome  of  my  friends  allow  me,  who  have  feen  mein  all  circum- 
ftsnces.    That  thofe  things  fhould  not  have  happened  fo,  is 
now impofTible ;  andtherjcisanecefTityof mybeingcontented. 
While  many  topics  of  difcourfe  occur  to  my  mind,  I 
am  doubtful  whether  I  fhould  retaliate  upon  thofe  who  have 
been  accuftomed  to  fpread  falfe  reports  of  me,  and  are  bold 
enough  to  affirm  what  I  do  not  deferve.     But  if  I  fhould 
ferioufly  undertake  this  affair,  and  compofe  an  oration  about 
thofe  men,  whom  no  one  ever  thought  worthy  of  mention, 
I  might  juftly  incur  the  blame  of  folly :  therefore,  fcorning 
theni  as  envious  wretches,  I  will  endeavour  to  convince 

others, 


y 


WW It~ 


y 


252 


The     ORATIONS 


r 


y 


otiicrs,  that  ih^iy  neithcx^. juflly,  or  wcrtlulr,  entertain  fuch 
a,  notion  of  me.     And  who  is  there,  who  would  not  con- 
dernn  nic  of  imprudence,  if  I  fhould   imagine  thofe  men, 
\yho  never  v/ere  my  enemies,  but  becaufe  i  have  feemcd  to. 
write  fome  things  .elegaiitly,  after  I  have  fpokcn  in  tl:e  fame 
inai>ner  as  before,  wiij  grieve  lefs  updn. account  of  my,ora- 
tjcjn,  but  ratJicr  morci  cfpeci:dly  fhould  I  appear,  though.' 
jjj^fuch  an  advanced  age,  net  yet  to  be  dcHrious  ?   Butygt 
no  .one  fliall  perfuade  me  to  fct  tliufc  fo  afiue,  and  nc^lcdt 
them,  CIS, to  fiqilh  directly  the  oration,  whereby  I  defign  to? 
fhcw,  tliat  our  city  has  been  the  caufe  of  more  good  to 
[^(^recce  than  Laceda^mon.     Should  I  do  fo,  nor  conclude 
what  I  havehegun,  or,  join  the  beginning  of  what  I  have 
begun,  with  tlie  end  of  what   is  to  be  faid,  I  fhould  be 
like  thofe,  who  throw  cut  rafhly,  •  impor^uncly,  and  con- 

¥edly,  whatever  corner  into  their  miii^s  ir  thin'^s  which  I 
au^ht  to  avoid.  .    .  •    ,.., 

0:1  J. ^^'^  ^^  .^^^  \^^?[  '^  ^  ^P^^^^  of 'what  I  propofed  in  the 
begmning ;  (oz  ijhink,  if  I^roduce  in  wnting  what  idea  I,, 

^t-^L^^HF^^^l^^'P^W      they  vvTn*cca(e"toTn\'en^ 
falfe  crime^,  and  fj 3," \vhafevxr  comcslnto  their  heads "TDut..^ 
a-  .,..  lame  time,  I  ^dmonilirtF61e;'wK6  are  af^ealonate  to 
fuchrHud^es,  not  to  be  concerned,  noi  be  too  flricily  atten-  . 
tive  to  iill  that  I  fl-iall  fay,  while  I  allow,  that  if  fuch  learn-  ' 
ing  is  goQd  for  nothing  ejfe,  at  leaff,  it  averts  young  pepplc, 
fiom.  maiiy  trefpalles.     I  therefore  judge,  there  ne'ver  was  ■ 
found  out,  for  fuch,  more  ufeful   or  becoming  exercif^s. 
But  1  do  not  fay,  that  the  fc.me  lludics  begome  the  more  ad- . 
vanced  in  years,  and  are  eftecmed  perfect  n^.n  i  for  I  fee* 
fome  of  thofe,  who  fo  accurately  underflanu  tlu  le  arts,  that 
t\ty,  teach  others,  not  ufmg  prudently  their  Icience,  but 
more  ignorant  in  the  concerns  of  life   tiian  their  fcholars, 
I  am  afraid  of  faying,  than  their  Have...     J  have  -the  fame 
opinion  of  [  opular  orators,    and    thofe  who   are  famous 
for  the  compofition  of  fucn  orations  ;   and,  in   a  word 
o'f  all  who  are  diftinguifhed  by  faculties  (as  they  are  called) 
an  J  fci^nces  j  for  I  know  moll  of  thcfe  nei;hcr  condu^Sc  their 

private 


f\ 


>»' 


1 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         ^53 

private  affairs  well,  nor  are  tolerable  in  their  converfation, 
make  little  account  of  the  efl.em  of  their  fellow- citizens, 
and  are  guilty  of  many  and  great  tranfgreflions.  Where- 
fore I  do  not  judge  them  polTeiTed  of  that  habit  I  defign  to 
fpcak  of.  Whom  then  do  \ jn^^Jc^ymnj^  fmce  I  repre- 
hend arts,  "TcTences,  and  faculties  ?  Firfl,  thofe Ivlibrmake 
a  right  ufc  of  daily  occurrences,  that  have  a  judgment  pro- 
per to  feize  opportunities,  and  capable,  for  the  mofl  part, 
of  hitting  the  mark  of  utility  ;  next,  fach  as  always  behave 
themfelves  in  a  becoming  and  jufl  manner  with  thofe  they 
converfe  with,  and  bear  others  fpleeii  and  morofenefs  with 
eafe  and  2ood-naturc,  and  render  themfelves  as  much  as 
pofJible  more  agreeable  and  moderate  in  refpetSi:  of  all  their 
friends.  Befides,  thofe  who  are  always  maflers  of  their 
pleafures,  are  not  much  deprcfled  by  adverfity,  but  behave 
themfelves  like  men,  and  worthy  of  that  nature  we  partake 
of.  Fourthly,  which  is  the  chief,  thofe  who  are  not  cor- 
rupted v^ith  profpcrity,  nor  forget  themfelves,  or  become 
proud,  but  keep  the  pofl  of  prudence,  nor  tiike  greater 
pleafure  in  the  goods  which  flow  in  from  for'tune,  than  thofe 
which  were  acquired  in  the  beginning  by  their  own  good 
conduit  and  ingenuity.  But  thofe,  who  have  not  minds 
capable  of  one  o\'  thefe  qualities,  but  of  ,alj,  I  affirm,  they 
are  wife  and  perfect  men,  and  pofTefs  all  virtues.  This  is 
my  opinion  of  the  learned. 

I  SHALL  now  cxprefs  my  fentiments  of  the  poetry  o^ 
Homer,  and  others ;  for  I  judge  I  fliall  thereby  caufe  thofe 
to  be  filent,  who  chaunt  their  V2rfes  in  the  Lyceum,  and 
trifle  about  them.  But  I  perceive  I  am  carried  away  beyond 
the  bounds  which  arc  prefcribed  to  preambles ;  for  it  be* 
comes  a  prudent  man,  not  to  love  fuch  a  diffufu  e  eloquence, 
whereby  he  may  fpeak  upon  the  fame  topics  more  than 
others,  but  obfervc  moderation  in  all  he  reafons  about ; 
which  is  alfo  my  duty.  I  iiiall.  therefore  fpeak  another 
time  of  the  poets,  unlefs  old  age  firfl  takes  me  out  of  the 
world ;  for  more  noble  fubje£ls  prefent  themfelves  to  me, 
than  fuch  would  be.     I  will  therefore  make  my  difcourfe  of 

thofe 


/ 


it^4       The    5  R  A  t  I  O  N  g 

thQfe  benefits  which  have  been  conferred  by  our  city  upcM 
:i}}  Greece  ;  not  becauTel  havejnot  written  more^^aiiegy- 
Ics  iipon  TTThan  all  who  profefs  poetry  or  eloquence^but 
that  i  3o  h6t*deri2:n  to  fpcak  in  the  fame  manner  as  before: 
for  then  I  made  mention  of  it^  whenHT  treated  of  other 
things  :  now,  I  have  made  it  riiy  fubjecft;     I  am  not  igno- 
rant what  an  arduous  hypothefis  I  chufe  in  my  old  age  | 
but  perfeftly  knowing,  and  having  often  declared,  that  it  is 
caiy  to  give  a  grandeur  to  fmall  things  by  eloquence,  I  will 
lay,  it  is  a  difficult  talk  to  equal  elogium  with  what  is  noble 
and  fublime.     Yet  we  are  not  to  defift  foi*  this,  but  finifh 
what  we  have  begun,  if  nature  grants  longer  life,  cfpecially 
pfijjce^any  motives  inducejne  to  make  this  oration.  Firfl^ 
fuch  men  aTaTTWont  impudently  tMccuTTouFaty;  then^ 
thofe  who  praife  it  elegantly,  but  without  judgment,  and  left 
/.  than  it  deferves;   and,  befides,  thofe  who  dare  to  praife  it 
more  boldly  than  others^  but  not  fo  well  as  to  prevent  the: 
:    objections  of  many  :  and,  finally j  my  greateft  motive  is  my 
'  -age,  which  ufually  difcourages  others ;  for  I  hope^  if  I  fuc- 
ceedjjojflcreaie  my  reputation ;  but  if  I  fpeak  beneath  my- 
felf,  I  fhall  have  a  ready  pardon  from  the  hearers;     What  I 
therefore  defigned  to  preface  concerning  myfelf  and  others^ 
as  thofe  who  prelude  in  mufic  before  a  concert^  I  have  now 
£nifhed. 

Now  I  judge^  that  thofe  who  would  accurately  ahdjufHy 
praife  any  city,  fhould  not  only  make  that  alone  their  topic^ 
which  they  deiign  to  fpeak  of;  but  as  we  examine  and  try 
purple  and  gold,  by  fhewing  near  them  natures  of  the  famef 
fpecies  and  value ;  I  judge,  I  fay,  that, frnaU  cities  flioulj_ 
not  be  compared  with  great,  nor  thofe  which  have  been  ac- 
cuftomed  in  all  times  to  govern,  with  thofe  who  were  ac- 
cuftomed  toXerYea  nor  thofe  cities  which  are  capable  of  pre- 
lerving  others,  with  fuch  as  need  prote61ion  :  but  I  judge^ 
e" cities  ihouHl)e  compared  together,  vvhich  are  po/Tefled 
of  a  like  power,  have  been  converfant  in  the  fame  affairs, 
.  ;rnd  are  of  equal  authority ;  for  thus  will  they  moft  eafily 
come  at  the  truth*     Now,  if  any  one  confidcr  us  in  this 

>  light. 


"-^ 


''S^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       255 

tight,  and  not  compare  us  with  any  city,  but  with  that  of 
Sparta,  which  many  praife  moderately,  but  fome  fpeak  of, 
as  if  demi-gods  governed  that  republic,  we  fhall  be  found  to 
have  left  them  farther  behind  in  beneficence  towards  Greece, 
than  they  have  left  all  others  ;  and  I  fhall  mention  hereaf- 
ter our  antient  conflids  for  the  good  of  Greece.  Now,  I 
fhall  make  my  difcourfe  of  them,  beginning  from  the  time 
when  they  feizcd  upon  the  Achaic  cities,  and  divided  the 
country  with  the  Argives  and  Meflenians  ;  for  from  hence 
we  ought  to  difcourfe  about  them.  Our  anceftors  will  be  per-* 
ceived  to  have  preferved,  from  the  Trojan  times,  the  con- 
cord of  the  Grecians,  and  enmity  with  the  Barbarians,  and 
and  to  have  perfevered  in  the  fame  affections.  And,  firil- 
of  all,  in  refped  of  the  iflands  Cyclades,  concerning  which 
many  difputes  arofe  under  the  government  of  Minos,  whea 
they  laltly  were  poffeffed  by  the  Carians ;  after  they  drove  the 
Carians  out,  they  did  not  make  them  their  own  provinces, 
but  they  placed  in  them  a  colony  of  the  moil  indigent  Gre- 
cians :  afterwards  they  built  many  and  great  cities  on  both 
fides  of  the  continent,  drove  the  Barbarians  from  the  iea» 
and  taught  the  Grecians  by  what  method  of  government, 
and  by  carrying  on  war  againft  whom  in  particular,  they 
might  enlarge  and  aggrandize  Greece.  But  the  Lacedaemo-* 
nians  were  fo  far,  in  that  time,  from  doing  any  thing  of  this 
nature,  as  our  anceftors  (who  commenced  war  againft  the 
Barbarians,  and  benefited  the  Grecians)  that  they  would  dot 
even  remain  quiet ;  but  having  a  city  belonging  to  ethers^ 
and  not  only  a  fufficient  territory,  but  (o  large  as  none  of 
the  other  Grecian  cities  had,  they  were  not  content  with 
this  ;  but  learning  by  events,  that  cities  indeed,  and  coun- 
tries, according  to  laws,  appear  their  right,whojuftly  poffefs 
them,  but,  in  facl,  become  theirs  who  moft  fkilfully  cxer- 
-cife  military  art,  and  can  conquer  their  enemies  in  battle: 
I  fay,  refleiSling  on  this,  and  negle£ling  agriculture,  trades, 
and  all  other  things,  they  never  ceafed  to  attack  and  difturb,  .  , 
one  by  one,  all  the  cities  of  Peloponnefus,  except  that  o[  .  fft)^ 
Argos.     Now,  it  happened  from  what  we  did,  that  Greece  .    ^^^ 

was 


^^  U-JU-J^  w 


^A..*. 


'  ^^»-4A 


256       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

u-as  enlarged,  and  Europe  became  maflcr  cf  Afia;  bcfides, 
that  the  neceflitous  Greeks  received  cities  and  lands,  but 
that  the  Barbarians  who  before  commenced  infuhs,  were 
cFrfven  out  of  the  countr)',  and  became  of  more  fubmi/nre 
minds  than  they  had  been  :  but  from  what  the  Spartans  did, 
it  happened,  that  their  city  alone  was  aggrandized,  and 
made  famous,  and  governed  all  the  cities  in  Pclopon- 
ncfus,  and  had  great  refped  fhcwed  it  from  them.  It  is 
certainly  jufl  to  praife  that  city,  which  was  the  caufe  of 
many  goods  to  others,  and  to  judge  that  unjuf},  which  only 
procured  itfelf  advantages ;  to  elkem  thofe  friends,  who 
treat  others  on  the  fame  footing  as  themfelves,  but  to  fear 
and  apprehend  thofe  who  aie  of  the  moft  friendly  mind 
amongll  themfelves,  yet  adminifkr  their  government  with  a 
vifible  hoftile  intention  towards  others  :  fuch,  thereforcj  was 
tile  fuundationof  the  government  in  both  cities. 

Afterward^;,  upon  the  commencement  of  the  Perfiaft 

?war,  when  Xerxes,  who  then  rcio-ned,  had  eot  together 
twelve  hundred  fliips,  five  million  fQpt,  feven  hundred  thou- 
i  fand  of  whom  were  regular  troops,  and  entered  Greece 
with  fuch  a  vail  army,  the  Sparcans,  tho'  they  governed  all 
Pclcponnefub,  fent  only  ten  fliips  to  the  naval  battle,  which 
gave  a  turn  to  the  whole  war ;  but  our  fathers,  tho'  they 
were  forced  from  their  country,  and  had  abandoned  the  city, 
becaufe  it  was  not  at  that  time  fortified,  afford-,  d  better  fliips, 
and  better  provided  with  forces,  than  all  together  who  ran 
that  danger.  And  theLacfda-monians  fcnt,  as  their  admiral, 
Xurybiades,  v/ho,  could  he  haveeffedcd  what  he  dcfioried, 
mult  have  ruined  all  Greece  ;  but  ours  fent  Thcmiflocles, 
"Who  was  thought  indifputably  to  be  the  caufe  that  the 
naval  engagement  was  wifely  condudled,  a^  well  as  author, 
befides,  of  all  thac  was  profperouHy  a«5lcd  in  that  time ;  for 
when  they,  who  had  been  allies,  had  wreftcd  the  fovcrcignty 
from  the  Lacedaemonians,  they  conferred  it  on  us.  And 
what  better  judges  can  any  one  imagine,  or  more  worthy 
©f  credit,  of  the  tranfaclions  of  thole  times,  than  thofe  who 
verc  prcfent  in  the  battles  ?  or,  what  benefit  can  be  fup- 

pofcd 


0  ^bf    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S> 


^57 


pofed  greater  than  the  prefervation  of  all  Greece  from  de- 
ilrudlion  ? 

It  happened  afterwards,  that  each  became  fovereigri  of 
the  fea ;  which  whofoever  holds,  mufthave  the  greatefl  num- 
ber of  cities  in  fubjedion.     Not  that  I  praife  in  this  regard 
either  city  j  for  one  may  blame  both  in  many  refpe£l:s.  But 
we  have  not  lefs  excelled  them  in  this  adminirtration,  than 
in  what  I  have  mentioned  before ;  for  our  fathers  perfuaded 
their  allies  to  conftitute  fuch  a  form  of  government,  as  they 
themfelves  had  always  preferred;    Now,  it  is  certainly  a 
fign  of  benevolence  and  kindnefsjwhen  perfons  exhort  others 
to  ufe  thofe  inftitutes,  which  they  have  found  profitable  to 
themfelves.     But  the  Lacedaemonians  conftituted  republics, 
which  were  neither  fimilar  to  their  own,  nor  like  thofe  con- 
ftituted elfewhere^  but  only  made  ten  men  of  each  city  its 
lords ;  whom  fhould  a  perfon  endeavour,  for  three  or  four 
fucceilive  days,  to  accufe  continually,  he  would  not  be  able 
to  exprefs  a  part  of  their  crimes  and  oppreffions.    It  would 
be  abfurd  to  comment  particularly  upon  fuch  and.  fo  nume- 
rous inftances  :  but,  perhaps,  I  fhould  have  refleded  on  a 
few,   which  would  have  excited  a  worthy  anger  in  the 
hearers,  if  I  had  been  younger.     But  I  have  now  no  fuch 
intention  j  however,  it  is  confefTed  by  all,  that  they  fo  far 
exceeded  all  who  went  before  them,  in  rapacity  and  injuf- 
tice,  that  they  not  only  fuined  themfelves,  their  friends,  and 
their  countries,  but  likewife,  by  expofing  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians to  the  odium  of  their  allies,  plunged  them  too  into 
fo  many  and  great  calamities,  as  no  one  would  have  ever 
imagined  could  have  befallen  them.     From  hence  any  one 
may  fee,  j^li,  how  much  more  mildnefs  arid  clemency  vve 
managed  affairs,  and  iikeWife^  from  what  follows  :  for  the 
^Spartans  fcarce\gpverned  ten  years ;  btft  w*e  held  t^e  fupre- 
macy  fixty-five  years.    Certainly  atl  know^  that  cities^  fub-^-> 
jecS  to  others,  continue  lon^ft  faithftil  to  thofe  from  whom 
they  fuffer  the  leaft  evils  :  but  both,  upon  account  of  in- 
juries becoming  odious,  fell  into  wars  arid  tumults;  yet  we 
fhidl  find  our  city  was  capable  of  making  refiilancc  teit 

S  years. 


'--t,* 

-r 

^»ji^ 


4v 


258       The    ORATIONS 

years,  though  attacked  by  all  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians  • 
whereas  the  Lacedaemonians  tho'  they  ftill  governed,  and 
made  war  by  land  againft  the  Thebans  only,   being  con- 
quered in  one  battle,  were  ftripped  of  all  they  poflefTed,  and 
were  afflicted  with  the  fame  misfortunes  and  calamities  as 
we.     Befides,  we  (hall  find  our  city  to  have  reftored  itfelf 
in  fewer  vears  than  it  was  overthrown  in ;  but  that  the  Spar- 
tans, after  this  lofs,  in  a  very  long  time,  have  not  been  able 
to  recover  themfelves  to  their  former  footing,  but  are  ftill 
in  the  fame  low  condition.     Now,  I  ought  to  explain,  how 
we  both  have  behaved  againft  the  Barbarians  5  for  this  re- 
mains.    Under  our  government,  it  was  not  permitted  them 
to  come  with  their  foot-forces  within  the  river  Halys,  or 
fail  in  long  (hips  to  the  coalts  within  Phafelis.     But,  un- 
der that  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  they  not  only  gained  the 
power  of  going  and  failing  wherever  they  pleafed,  but 
became  matters  of  many  of  the  Grecian  cities.     Where- 
fore, that  city,  which,  with  more  bravery  and  courage, 
made  a  treaty  v/ith  the  Perfians,   and  was  the  caufe  of  the 
moft  and  greateft  calamities  to  the  Barbarians,  but  of  be- 
nefits to  the  Grecians  -,  which,  befides,  took  all  the  ma- 
ritime coaft  of  Afia,  and  many  other  provinces  from  the 
enemies,  and  gave  them  to  its  allies,  hindering  the  former 
from  committing  injuries,  and  freeing  the  latter  from  indi- 
gence; and  which  has  more  magnanimoufly  fought  for  it- 
fblf,  than  that  very  city  which  is  celebrated  for  fuch  actions, 
and  repelled  its  own  calamities  fooner  than  thofe  perfons  j 
who   is  there   that  will  not  think  it  juft  to  praife  and 
honour  this  city,  more  than  that  which  it  has  furpafled 
in   all  thefe  regards?     Concerning  the  adlions  of  both, 
and   the  dangers  undergone    together  againft  the  fame 
tnemies,    this   is  what  occurred   to  me  to   fay   at   pre- 

fent. 

Now,  I  think  thofe  who  have  heard  with  difguft  what 
I  have  faid,  will  not  contradicl  any  thing  as  if  it  was 
untrue ;  nor  produce  any  other  adions,  iJy  the  performance 
of  which  the  Lacedaemonians  became  authors  of  much 


■•3^1 


,' '  * 


■  t.H. 

> 


good 


-'» 


■■»». 


IS 


.**V 


.  4> 
■I    - 


I 


of    ISOCRATES.      '259 

good  to  Greece.     But  fuch  endeavour  to  accufe  our  city, 
according  to  their  cuftom,  and  repeat  the  harfheft  ads  of 
power,  which  happened  during  our  fovereignty  of  the  feas : 
they  will  blame  the  accufations  and  judgments,  which  hap- 
pened here  to  the  allies,  as  well  as  the  exactions  of  tributes* 
and  will  particularly  dwell  on  the  calamities  of  theMelii,and 
the  Scionaeans,  thinking,  by  thefe  afperfions,  they  can  give  a 
blot  to  thofe  benefits  rifen  from  our  city,  which  I  juft  now 
mentioned.     To  whatever  may  be  juftly  charged  againft 
our  city,  I  neither  can  anfwer,  nor  would  I  attempt  it;  for 
Tmould  blufh,  if,  when  others  have  thought,  that  not  even 
the  gods  are  free  from  faults,  I  ftiould  endeavour  to  perfuade 
mankind,  that  our  republic  never  offended  in  any  thing. 
But  I  believe  I  can  effedl  this,  that  I  can  both  prove,  that 
Sparta,  in  refpe6l  of  what  was  mentioned,  has  done  things 
of  a  much  more  cruel  and  barbarous  nature,  and  that  they, 
who  abufe  us  on  this  account,  are  fuperlatively  foolifti,  and 
the  very  caufe  why  their  friends  are  reproached  by  us : 
for  fince  they  accufe  us  of  thofe  crimes  which  the  Lacedser*' 
monians  have  been  more  guilty  of,  we  are  not  deprived  of 
an  occafion  of  retorting  upon  them,  and  that  too  in  a  feverer 
manner.     For  example,  fhould  they  here  make  mention  of 
thejudgmentspafiTed  upon  allies,  who  is  fo  ftupid,  but  that 
he  can  find  out  a  ready  anfwer,  viz.  that  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians have  put  to  death  more  Grecians,  without  giving 
them  a  fair  hearing,  than,  ever  fince  this  city  was  built,  have 
been  called  ty  us  before  the  tribunal  ?    The  fame,  fhould 
tliey^rtiake  the  like  objecSllons,  we  have  to  anfwer  about  the 
exaction  of  tributes ;  for  we  fhall  fliew,  that  we  benefited, 
in  a  far  greater  manner,  thofe  cities  who  paid  us  tributes, 
than  Hid^he"  Lacedaemonians.     Iii  the  firft  place,  they  did 
not  do  this  by  our  command,  but  by  their  own  decree, 
when  they  conferred  the  fovereignty  of  the  feas  upon  us» 
Again,  they  paid  not  thofe  tributes  on  account  of  our 
fafety,  but  for  their  own  republican  government  and  liberty, 
and  left  they  ftiould  fall  agair^  into  as  great  calamities  as 
they  had  fuffiered  under  the  decemviri  and  the  Lacedaemo- 

S  2  .        nian 


i 


/ 


\ 


tit 


26o       The    ORATIONS 

nian  power.  Befides,  they  conferred  nothing  of  what  they 
had  faved  themfelves,  but  what  they  had  preferved  by  our 
afiiftance :  for  which,  had  they  the  leaft  reafon  in  them, 
they  would  have  repaid  us  with  gratitude ;  for  when  wc 
had  recovered  their  cities,  fome  of  them  razed  by  the  Bar- 
barians, and  others  of  them  laid  wafte,  we  fo  reftored  them, 
that,  havine  Jiiven  to  us  a  little  of  their  fubftance,  they  had 
no  worfe  habitations  than  the  Peloponnefians,  who  paid  no 
tributes.  In  refped  of  thofe  who  were  deftroyed  under 
both  our  governments  (which  fome  object  to  us  alone), 
we  will  ihew,  that  thofe,  whom  thcfc  men  never  ceafe  to 
praifc,  perpetrated  far  greater  cruelties.  It  happened,  that 
we  injured  fuch,  and  fo  fmall  iflands,  as  many  of  the  Greeks 
know  nothing  of :  they,  after  having  overthrown  the  greateft 
cities  of  Pcloponnefus,  which  far  excelled  amongft  all  the 
Grecian ;  I  fay,  after  they  had  erafed  them,  poiTefs  their 
goods  :  which  cities,  tho'  no  benefit  had  before  been  con- 
ferred by  them  on  Greece,  were  dcferving  of  the  higheil 
favours  from  the  Greeks,  for  undertaking  the  expedition 
againfl  'IVoy  ;  in  which  they  were  the  chief,  and  furnifh- 
eJ  leaders,  not  only  poflefied  of  fuch  qualities,  of  which 
ordinary  and  vulgar  men  are  incapable,  but  of  fuch  as 
none  but  the  good  and  bra-,  e  can  attain.  Meflena  fent  out 
Neftor,  who  was  the  prudenteft  of  all  who  lived  in  that  age. 
Lacedaemon  fent  Menelaus,  who  alone,  for  his  temperance 
and  moderation,  deferved  to  be  made  and  called  the  fon- 
in-law  of  Jupiter.  The  city  of  Argos  fent  them  Aga- 
memnon, who  was  not  ornamented  with  one  or  two  vir- 
tues, but  with  all  that  any  one  can  mention  :  nor  fo,  in  a< 
moderate,  but  high  degree  ;  for  we  (hall  find  no  one  of  all, 
who  undertook  things  which  were  more  proper,  more  glo- 
rious, more  noble,  more  beneficial  to  the  Greeks,  or  wor- 
thy of  greater  praife.  And,  perhaps,  while  I  haftily  enume- 
rate thefe  things,  many  may  not  give  their  afient  to  them  : 
but,  after  I  have  fpoken  briefly  of  each,  all  will  acknowledge 


I  have  faid  nothing  but  truth. 


But 


fSi-.v 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         261 

.    But  I  cannot  well  conceive,  but  am  at  a  lofs,what  words 
I  {hall  moft  properly  ufe;  fori  am  afliamed,  after  I  have  faid 
fo  much  of  Agamemnon's  virtues,  I  fhould  fay  nothing  of 
his  adlions  ;   but  (hould  appear  to  the  hearers,  like  thofe 
who  boaft  of  themfelves,  and  deafen  company  with  what 
comes  uppermoft  in  their  minds  ;  for  I  perceive,  that  thofe 
a6lions,  which  are  mentioned  foreign  to  the  fubjecSl:,  are  not 
praifed,  but  feem  of  a  confufed  nature,  and  that  there  are 
many  who  ufe  them  unfeafonably,  and  more  who  repre- 
hend them.     Wherefore  I  am  afraid  left  the  fame  fhould 
happen  to  me.     But  I  think  I  ought  to  aflift  him,   who 
has  fuffered  what  I  and  many  others   have,  in  being  de- 
prived of  that  full  glory  which  he  deferved ;  he  who  was 
the  author  of  the  greateft  happinefs  in  thofe  times,  but  is 
now  praifed  lefs  than  thofe  who  have  done  nothing  memo- 
rable.   For  what  was  wanting  to  him  ?  Who  acquired  fuch 
honour,  greater  than  which,  fhould  all  feek  after  it,  they 
could  never  find  it  ?  for  he  alone  was  judged  worthy  of  be- 
ing the  general  of  Greece.     Whether  he  was  chofen,  or 
acquired  this  by  power,  I  cannot  aver.     By  whichfoever 
means  this  happened,  he  left  nothing  whereby  they  could 
exceed  his  glory,  who  have  in  any  other  way  been  ho- 
noured :  for  having  attained  this  power,  he  injured  none 
of  the  cities  of  Greece  ;  but  was  fo  far  from  this,  that  he 
freed  fome  from  thofe  wars,  tumults,  and  troubles,  in  which 
they  were  involved,  and,   uniting  all,  he  fcorned  extrava- 
gant and  romantic  adions,  and  fuch  as  no  ways  benefit 
others  ;  and,  coUeding  an  army,  led  it  againft  the  Barba- 
rians.    No  one  ever  undertook  a  more  glorious  or  ufeful 
expedition  for  the  Greeks,  either  of  thofe  who  were  famous 
in  thofe  times,  or  were  born  afterwards  :  which  he  having 
done,  and  fet  the  example  of  to  others,  has  not  been  fo  praifed 
as  he  deferved,  by  the  means  of  thofe  who  more  love  prodi- 
gies than  beneficent  anions,  ^nd  lies  than  truth.    And  yet 
great  as  he  was,  he  hath  now  lefs  glory  than  thofe  who  never 
had  the  courage  to  imitate  him.     Nor  need  I  only  praife 
bim  for  thefe  things,  but  for  thofe  which  he  did  about  the 


1 


d 


f  K4'^-^<-^^     C 


S3 


fame 


!* 


262       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

fame  time ;  for  he  fo  excelled  in  magnanimity,  that  it  did 
not  fuffice  him  to  ralfe  foldiers  of  a  private  condition,  in 
number  as  many  as  he  pleafed,  out  of  each  city  j  but  he 
perfuaded  thofe  very  kings,  who  are  u^ont,  in  their  own  ci- 
ties, to  do  and  command  what  they  pleafe,  to  be  fubjed  to 
him,  follow  him  againft  whomfoever  he  would  lead  them, 
obey  his  commands,  pafs  their  lives,  tho'  kings,  in  a  military 
manner,  beiides,  face  dangers,  and  carry  on  wars,  not  for 
their  own  countries  and  kingdoms,  but,  in  word,  for  Helen 
the  wife  of  Alenelaus  ;  yet,  in  fadl,  that  Grecians  ihould 
not  fufter  the  fame,  or  the  like,  from  the  Barbarians,  as 
when   Pelops  feized  Peloponnefus,    Danaus    Argos,  and 
Cadmus  Thebes.     Of  which  who  can  be  found  to  have  ha<i 
a  forefight,  and  to  have  oppofed  himfelf,  that  nothing  of 
this  nature  might  hap^  en  ?  None  but  he  who  was  endowed 
with  fuch  knovvledge  and  power.     What  now  follows,  is 
indeed  of  an  inferior  nature  to  what  has  been  faid,  but  far 
more  noble  and  worthy  of  memory  than  what  is  often 
praifed.     When  fuch  forces  were  got  together  from  all  the 
cities,  and  fo  numerous,  as  may  be  fuppofed  by  fuch  lead- 
ers, as  were  pardy  of  the  family  of  the  gods,  partly  be- 
gotten by,  or  born  of  them,  not  affected  as  the  vulgar  are 
nor  thinKing  in  their  train,  but  replete  with  wrath,  vio- 
lence, envy,  and  ambition  ;  he  yet  retained  all  thefe  toge- 
ther for  ten  years,  not  by  large  pay  or  expences  in  mon^y^ 
by  which  all  are  now  powerful,  but  by  excelling  in  prudence, 
by  fupplying  the  foldiers  with  provifions  from  the  enemy's 
country,   and   by  appearing  to    confult  more   wifely  the 
fafety  of  others,  than  others  do  their  own.  Now,  we  may, 
with  equal  juftice,  admire  the  end  he  put  to  all  thefe  ac- 
tions :  for  he  will  be  found  not  to  have  put  a  difhonourable 
one,  and  unworthy  of  what  has  been  faid  before ;  but  tho' 
in  declaration  he  had  only  made  war  againft  one  city,  yet,  - 
in  fad,  he  made  it  not  only  againft  all  thofe  who  inhabited 
Afia,  but  againft  many  other  barbarous  nations.     He  was 
wearied  out  by  no  dangers;  nor  did  he  depart,  till  he  had 
reduced  to  flavery  that  city  which  had  dared  to  offend, 

and 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S;       263 

and  till  he  had  reftrained  the  Baibarians  from  committing 

infuks*, 

I  AM  not  ignorant  of  the  variety  of  thofe  things  faid  of 
Agamemnon's  virtues ;  nor,  though  they  be  fo  many,  will 
any,  if  they  confider  them  fmgly,  difapprove  of  any  thing, 
or  dare  to  detrad  any  thing;  but,  had  they  been  explained 
in  order,  all  would  blame  me,  as  having  fpoken  more  than 
was  convenient.     Had  I  been  ignorant  I  ftiould  exceed  mo- 
deration, I  ftiould  blufh,  if,  having  attempted  to  write  a- 
bout  thefe  things  which  no  one  elfe  dared,  I  were  fo  ftupid. 
Now,  I  knew  far  better  than  thofe  who  have  dared  to  re- 
prehend me,  that  many  would  find  fault  with  fuch  a  me- 
thod :  but  I  thought  it  would  be  lefs  offenfive,  if  I  feem,  in 
this  part,  to  fome  to  negle£l  the  order  of  time,  than  if, 
while  I  fpoke  of  fo  great  a  man,  I  omitted  any  of  thofe  ex- 
cellencies which  belonged   to  him,  and  it  was  proper  I 
ftiould  mention :  yet  I  judged,  that,  amongft  the  politeft 
hearers,  I  ftiould  be  efteemed,  if,  while  I  make  the  eloglum 
of  virtue,  I  more  laboured  about  fpeaking  worthily  of  it, 
than  about  the  exa£l  meafure  of  my  difcourfe.     I  knew  this 
well,  that,  by  negleding  the  juft  meafure  of  time,  I  ftiould 
render  myfelf  lefs  admired ;  yet  that  prudent  advice  about 
adlions  would  profit  thofe  who  are  praifed  :  I  therefore,  ne- 
gledling  my  intereft,  preferred  what  was  juft ;  nor  ftiall  I  be 
found  only  in  what  has  been  now  faid  of  this  mind,  but 
abfolutely  in  all  things  :  for  I  ftiall  appear  always  to  have 
taken  more  pleafure  in  thofe  difciples  of  mine,  who  verc 
famous  for  their  lives  and  adions,  than  in  thofe  who  had 
a  genius  for  eloquence;  for,  indeed,  contributing  what  T 
did,  all  would  afcribe  to  me  their  eloquence;  but,  in  regard^ 
of  their  good  anions,  tho'  all  knew  I  had  been  the  coun- 
fellor,  there  is  none  but  would  praife  the  perfon  who  put 
fuch  things  in  pra£lice.  ''^■ 

I  SCARCE  know  whither  I  am  hurried  in  my  difcourfe  ; 
for  though  I  ought  to  fubjoin  the  confequence  of  what  had 
been  faid,  yet  I  have  wandered  far  from  my  fubjea.  No- 
thing remains,  but  that,  defiring  pardon  for  my  old  age,  for 

S  4  ^1 


^ 


I 


I 


*  i: 


264       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

my  forgetfulnefs  and  loquacity,  which  faults  are  incident  to 
men  of  mv  years,  Ifhould  return  to  that  fubje6l  from  whence 
I  wandered  into  this  garrulity  ;  I  fay,  I  ought  to  confider 
from  whence  I  digrefled :  for  I  anfwered  thofe,  who  object 
to  us  the  calamities  of  the  Mclii,  and  fuch  fmall  towns; 
not  that  thefe  adlions  were  juft,  but  that  I  might  (hew 
them,  how  thofe,  who  are  loved  by  them,  have  deftroyed 
greater  and  more  cities  than  we  ;  amidft  which,  I  difcourfed 
of  the  fovereignty  of  Agamemnon,  Menelaus,  andNeftor; 
not  advancing  faliities,  but  fpeaking,  perhaps,  beyond  mo- 
deration.    This  I  did  to  fhew,  that  thofe  mens  crime  was 
no  lefs    who  dared  to  overthrow  thofe  cities,  which  had 
produced  and  educated  thofe  men,  of  whom  even  now  one 
may  compofe  celebrated  harangues.     But,  perhaps,  it  is 
foolifh  to  dwell  upon  one  fad,  as  if  there  could  be  wanting 
words  to  exprefs  the  cruelty  and  barbarity  of  the  Lacedae. 
monians;  and  that  there  was  not  a  variety  of  inftances  to 
mention  on  this  topic :  whom  it  did  not  fuffice  to  have  tref- 
pafled  againft  thefe  cities,  and  thefe  men,  but  they  would 
injure  thofe  who  were  born  in  the  fame  place,  who  warred 
in  alliance  with  them,  and  underwent  the  fame  dangers;  I 
mean,  the  Arrives  and  Mcffenians :  for  they  endeavoured 
to  affli£l  them  with  the  fame  calamities  as  the  others  ;  and 
indeed  they  defiftcd  not  to  attack  the  Meflenians,  till  they 
drove  them  out  of  the  country;  but  the  Argives,  upon  this 
account,  are  now  in  war.     Now,  I  fhould  be  ridiculous, 
if,  having  mentioned  what  they  have  done  againft  others,  I 
fhould  not  mention  what  they  have  a£led  againft  the  Platae- 
'ans  ;  who  having  pitched  their  tents  with  us,  and  other  al- 
hes,  in  their  territory,  and  we  having  drawn  up  our  battle, 
and  facrificed  to  the  gods  confecrated  by  them,  we  not  only 
freed  the  Greeks,  who  were  with  us,  but  even  thofe  who 
were  forced  to  be  on  their  fide.     And  we  effected  this, 
when  we  had  the  Plataeans  alone  our  afliftants,  of  all  the 
Boeotians  ;    and  not  long  after,  the  Lacedaemonians,  to 
gratify  the  Thebans,  after  taking  their  city,  flew  them  all, 
jgxcepting  fuch  as  could  fly  away.     Certainly,  our  city  did 

not 


li 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        265 

tiot  refemble  the  Lacedaemonians  in  regard  of  this.  They 
dared  to  do  fuch  things  againft  the  public  benefadlors  of 
Greece,  and  their  own  relations ;  but  our  countrymen 
placed  thofe  Meflenians,  who  were  faved  at  Naupadlum, 
and  made  thofe  Plataeans,  who  came  to  them,  citizens,  and 
partakers  of  all  they  poflefled  themfelves.  Wherefore,  had 
we  no  more  to  fay  of  theie  cities,  yet,  methinks,  the  man- 
ners of  both  would  be  clear,  and  which  of  us  had  ruined 
more  and  greater  cities. 

IpERCEivElam  fallen  into  an  afFe£lion  different  from 
what  I  had  in  mentioning  fome  things  a  little  while  ago; 
for  I  then  lapfed  into  ignorance  and  forgetfulnefs.  Now, 
I  am  fenfible  I  preferve  not  that  lenity  of  difcourfe,  which  I 
obferved  in  the  beginning ;  but  that  I  endeavour  to  explain 
myfelf  on  thofe  heads,  which  I  ftiould  not  mention  ;  that  I 
become  bolder  than  fits  my  nature,  and  am  not  capable  of 
containing  myfelf  in  fome  things,  on  account  of  the  va- 
riety of  the  fubjedls  which  prefent  themfelves  to  me  to  be 
fpoken  of.  Since  then  a  fpirit  of  freedom  has  feized  me, 
and  I  have  opened  my  mouth  with  liberty,  and  have  laid 
fuch  a  foundation,  and  it  is  neither  becoming  nor  poflible  to 
pafs  over  fuch  adiions,  by  which  it  may  be  demonftrated, 
that  our  city  has  deferved  better  of  the  Greeks  than  the  La- 
cedaemonians,  I  muft  not  pafs  by  thofe  other  evil  anions, 
which  have  not  hitherto  been  fpoken  of,  though  they  were 
perpetrated  amidft  the  Greeks  :  but  I  ftiall  (hew,  that  our 
countrymen  learned  late  fuch  pradlices,  and  that  the  Lace- 
daemonians were  guilty  of  fome  the  firft,  and  committed 
others  only.  Very  many  accufe  both  cities,  thaty-^^soief- 
fmg  to  fight  againft  the  Barbarians  for  Greece,  they  did  not 
permit  the  cities  .  >  live  bv  their  own  laws,  and  admlnifter 
their  aff*airs,  as  was  convenient  for  them;  but  dividing 
them,  as  if  having  taken  them  all  by  war,  they  oppreflTed 
them  all  with  fervitude,  and  adled  like  thofe,  who  fet  other 
mens  flaves  at  liberty,  to  make  them  ferve  themfelves.  We 
were  not  the  caufe  that  thefe  and  many  ftiarper  things  were 
faid,  but  thofe  who  now  oppofe  U3  in  what  is  faid,  and,  in 

former 


266 


The    ORATIONS 


former  times,  derogated  from  all  our  actions.     But  HO  one 
Caa  prove^  that  our  anceftors,  during  infinite  fpaces  of 
time,  ever  attempted  to  fubject  either  a  greater  or  lefscity  ; 
but  alf  know,  that,  fmce  the  Lacedaemonians  came  into 
Peloponnefus,  they  do  nothing,  nor  defign  any  thing  elfe, 
than  to  govern  as  much  as  poffible  allj  or,  at  leaft,  if  this 
cannot  be  effected,  govern  the  Peloponnefians.     Befides,  all 
know,  that  they  have  been  the  authors  of  feditions,  maf- 
facres,  and  changes  of  commonwealths,  with  which  cala- 
mities and  difordcrs  they  filled  all  cities  excepting  a  few : 
but  no  one  would  dare  to  fay,  that,  before  the  calamity  at 
the  Hellefpont,  our  city  ever  committed  a  crime  againft 
their  allies.     After  the  Lacedaemonians  became  lords  of 
Greece,  they  again  loft  the  lead  in  power.     In  thofe  times, 
the  other  cities  being  feditious,  two  or  three  of  our  gene- 
rals (I  will  not  conceal  the  truth)  trefpalled  againft  fome  of 
them  i  hoping,  did  they  imitate  the  Spartans  a£lions,  they 
ihould  more  eafily  contain  them  within  the  bounds  of  duty. 
Wherefore,  all  of  us  may  juftly  accufe  them,  as  being  the 
leaders  and  authors  of  fuch  works,  and  allow  pardon  to  our 
countrymen,  as  fcholars  deceived  by  promifes,  and  falling 
fhort  of  their  hopes.     Now,  who  is  ignorant  of  what  the/ 
did  alone  ?  for  tho'  our  enmity  to  the  Barbarians  and  their 
kings  was  common,  yet  we  were  in  many  battles  alone,  fufy 
tained  fometimes  great  lofi'es,  our  lands  every  now  and  then 
wafted,  and  yet  we  never  regarded  their  friendftiip  and  alli- 
ance ;  but,  for  their  ill  defigns  againft  the  Greeks,  we  conti- 
nued to  hate  them  more  than  thofe  who  now  endeavour  to 
diftrcfs  us.     But  the  Lacedaemonians,  tho'  they  had  not  fuf- 
fered,  or  were  likely  to  fuftcr  any  hurt,  or  were  in  any  fear, 
came  to  that  pitch  of  infatiable  avarice,  that  it  fufficed  them 
not  to  have  the  land-government,  but  they  would  have  the 
dominion  at  fea  j  fo  tliat,  at  the  fame  time,  they  puflied  on 
our  allies  to  a  revolt,  promiung  to  make  them  free,  and  ne- 
gotiated friendftiip  and  alliance  with  the  king;  affirming, 
that  they  would  deliver  to  him  all  the  inhabitants  of  Afia. 
When  they  had  mutually  pledged  their  faith  on  thefe  terms, 

and 


iJgJaa.* 


i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        267 

and  conquered  us,  they  reduced  thofe  whom  they  promifed 
to  enfranchize,  to  a  worfe  ftate  of  fervitude  than  their  own 
ilaves  ;  and  they  requited  the  king  with  this  gratitude,  that 
they  perfuaded  his  younger  brother  Cyrus  to  difpute  with 
him  for  the  kingdom  ;  and  gathering  an  army,  and  making 
Clearchus  general,  fent  them  againft  him.  But  being  de- 
ceived of  their  hopes  in  this,  and  having  ftiewed  to  all  what 
they  aimed  at,  they  were  hated  of  all,  and  fell  into  fuch 
tvars  and  tumults,  as  it  was  neceflary  thofe  muft,  who  had 
trerpafted  both  againft  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians.  Now, 
I  know  not  why  I  ftiould  fay  any  more  about  them,  but  only 
this,  that,  being  conquered  in  a  fea-fight  by  the  forces  of 
the  king,  and  dexterity  of  Conon,  they  made  that  peace, 
than  which  none  can  ftiew  me  a  more  bafe,  more  difgraceful, 
or  regardlefs  of  the  intcrefts  of  Greece,  or  more  contrary 
to  what  is  faid  by  fome  of  the  valour  of  the  Lacedaemoni-  ^ 
ans  ;  who,  tho'  the  king  had  made  them  lords  of  Greece, 
endeavoured  to  deprive  him  of  his  kingdom,  and  all  his  for- 
tunes ;  but  after  he  had  conquered  in  a  fea-fight,  and  hum- 
bled them,  did  not  furrender  to  him  a  fmall  part,  but,  men- 
tioning exprefsly  in  writing,  all  who  inhabited  Afia,  and  fur- 
rendering  them  to  be  ufed  at  his  difcretion  :  nor  did  they 
blufh  to  make  fuch  a  treaty  about  thofe  very  men,  by  whofe 
alliance  they  had  defeated  us,were  become  mafters  of  Greece, 
and  hoped  to  feize  upon  all  Afia.  Such  a  treaty  as  this  did 
they  fix  in  their  temples,  and  force  their  allies  to  do  fof 

And  tho'  I  judge  others  will  not  much  defire  to  hear  the 
remaining  things,  I  believe  that  all  think,  they  have  been 
fufficiently  informed  of  what  a  difpofition  each  city  has 
been  towards  the  Greeks.  I  am  not  of  the  fame  opinion, 
but  think  the  hypothefis,  which  I  have  chofen,  requires 
many  more  words  ;  efpecially  fuch  as  will  demonftrate  the 
madnefs  of  thofe  men,  who  have  attempted  to  oppofe  what 
has  been  faid ;  whofe  confutation  I  fliall  eafily  find ;  for, 
amongft  thofe  who  approve  the  Lacedaemonians  actions,  I 
judge  the  beft  and  prudenteft  of  them  will  praife  indeed  the 
Spartan  republic,  and  continue  to  be  of  the  fame  opinion 

about 


268       The    O  R  A  T  I  ON  S 

about  It  as  before ;  but  will  afTent  to  me  concerning  tbofe 
things,  which  they  have  done  againft  the  Greeks ;  but  as 
for  fuch,  who,  not  only  inferior  to  thofe,  but  the  vulgar,  can 
Ipcak  tolerably  of  no  fubjecl,  and  yet  cannot  be  filent  about 
the  Lacedaemonians,  hoping,  that,  if  they  make  exaggerated 
dogtums  of  them,  they  fhall  acquire  the  fame  glory  as 
thofe  who  are  far  fuperior  and  more  excellent  than  they : 
when  fuch  fee,  that  all  arguments  have  been  handled,  and 
they  have  not  what  to  anfwer  to  one  of  them,  they  wil] 
turn  themfelvcs,  I  judge,  to  a  difl'ertation  about  what  the 
republic  is,  and,  comparing  their  inftitutes  with  ours,  their 
obedience  and  temperance  with  the  negligence  which  pre- 
raiis  amongft  us,  they,  on  this  account,  will  extol  Sparta  ; 
which,  if  they  do,  prudent  men  fhould  think  they  trifle : 
for  my  purpofe  was  not  to  difpute  about  the  forms  of  re- 
publics, but  to  fhew,  that  our  city  has  defcrved  better  of 
Greece  than  that  of  the  Lacedaemonians.  Now,  if  they 
refute  fome  of  thefe  thing?,  or  can  fay  that  others  were 
common,  in  which  they  had  the  fuperiority,  tliey  will  de- 
ier\'e  juft  praife :  but  fhould  they  fpeak  of  what  I  have  made 
no  mention,  they  will  deferve  to  be  looked  on  as  fools  by 
all;  yet  fmce  I  judge,  thev  will  produce  the  arguments  for 
the  forms  of  the  two  republics,  I  fhall  have  no  diificulty  to 
handle  that  topic. 

Let  no  one,  tho',  Imagine,  that  I  have  faid  this  of  that 
form  of  a  republic,  which  we  have  by  force  received  for  tho 
old  one,  but  of  that  of  our  anceftors,  which  our  citizens 
not  contemning,  haftily  feized  on  this ;  and  tho'  they  judged 
the  other  far  more  excellent  in  other  things,  yet  thought 
this  more  ?,dapted  to  the  fovereignty  at  fea;  by  the  attain- 
ment of  which  power  and  wife  adminlftration,  they  might 
revenge  the  treachery  of  the  Spartans,  and  conquer  all  the 
ftrength  of  the  Lacedaemonians,  which  at  that  time  particu- 
larly prefTed  our  city  :  wherefore  no  one  can  juftly  accufe 
thofe  who  chofe  it ;  for  they  were  not  fruftrated  of  their 
hopes,  nor  were  they  ignorant  of  the  bad  or  good,  which 
was  in  either  power)  but  they  fufficiently  knew,  that  a 

land- 


II 


\-l\ 


.   of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      269 

land-power  confided  in  good  order,  moderation,  obedi- 
ence, and  things  of  a  like  nature;  but  that  a  maritime  power 
was  not  encreafed  by  thofe  means,  but  by  naval  arts,  by 
thofe  who  could  manage  oars,  who  had  loft  their  own  pof- 
feflions,  and  were  accuftomed  to  live  upon  others.  Now, 
it  was  not  hid  from  them,  that  when  fuch  fhould  flow  into 
the  city,  both  the  former  difcipline  muft  be  difTolved,  and 
the  affedions  of  allies  would  be  foon  changed,  when  thofe, 
to  whom  before  they  gave  lands  and  cities,  would  be  obliged 
to  pay  thofe  taxes  and  tributes,  which  I  mentioned  lately. 
But  tho'  they  were  ignorant  of  nothing  laid  by  me,  thej 
thought  it  proper,  for  a  city  of  fuch  greatnefs,  and  which 
had  acquired  fuch  glory,  rather  to  fuffer  all  diiHculties  tliaa 
the  empire  of  the  Lacedaemonians.  And  tho'  two  things 
were  propofed  to  them,  which  were  not  good,  they  thought 
this  option  preferable,  to  caufe  others  to  fuflFer  rather  than 
themfelves  ;  and  rather  to  reign  over  others  unjuftly,  than, 
avoiding  a  fault,  ferve  the  Lacedaemonians  unjuftly:  which 
all  prudent  perfons  would  certainly  chufe  and  wifh ;  but 
fbme  few,  who  profefs  themfelves  wife,  were  they  afked, 
would  fay  the  contrary.  Now,  the  caufes  why  they  chofe 
that  form  of  government,  which  is  reprehended  by  fome, 
inftead  of  that  which  is  praifed  by  all,  were  thofe  I  have 
mentioned. 

I  WILL  now  fpeak  of  thofe  things  I  propofed,  and  of  our 
anceftors,  beginning  from  thofe  times,  when  there  was  no 
mention  of  the  word  democracy,  or  oligarchy,  but  all  the 
Grecian  as  well  as  the  Barbarian  cities  were  governed  by 
monarchies.  For  this  reafon,  I  chufe  to  begin  my  difcouifc 
from  a  greater  diftance.  In  the  firft  place,  judging  it  be- 
comes thofe  who  difpute  about  precedence  in  virtue,  that 
they  fhould,  from  their  origin,  excel  others ;  fecondly,  be- 
caufe  I  fhould  be  aftiamed,  if,  after  having  difcourfed  more 
than  was  necefliary  about  perfons  excellent  indeed,  but  not 
related  to  me,  I  ftiould  make  no  mention  of  our  progeni- 
tors, who  kept  our  republic  in  the  moft  beautiful  order,  and 
ib  far  excelled  thofe  who  are  now  in  power,  as  far  as  the 

moft 


270       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

moft  mild  and  prudent  men  excel  the  moft  favage  and  cruel 
beafts.  For  whjt^jsjhere  of  atr^t)t  m  iispiety  and  crimes, 
which  weThail  not  find  in  other  cities,  and  erpecial])Lj.n 
thofe  cities  which  then  were  the  greateft,  and  are  now  e- 
fteemed  fo?  Shall  we  not  find  various  murders  of  hrothers, 
fathers,  and  guefts,  committed  in  them  ?  Shall  we  not  find 
aflafllnations  of  mothers,  inceftuousbeds,  and  children  born 
bv  them  who  bore  their  fathers  ?  Shall  we  not  find  the  de- 
vouring  of  children  plotted  by  the  neareft  related  ?  Shall  we 
not  find  the  expofition  of  thofe  they  had  begotten,  the 
drowning  of  them,  the  blinding  of  them,  and  fo  many 
crimes,  that  none  of  thofe  who  are  accuftomed  to  fhew, 
on  the  theatre,  the  calamities  that  then  happened,  ever 
wanted  matter  ?  I  have  related  thefe  things,  not  with  an 
intention  to  reproach  them,  but  to  fhew,  that  not  only  no- 
thing of  this  nature  "has'beeiT'done  by  ours  (for  this*  would 
be  no  proof  of  virtue,  but  of  this  only,  that  our  countrymen 
were  different  in  their  natures  from  the  moft  flagitious)  j 
but  it  becomes  thofe,  I  fay,who  diftinguiftiedly  praife  others, 
not  only  to  prove,  that  they  afe  not  wicked,  but  that  they 
have  exceeded,  in  all  virtues,  both  thofe  that  have  been, 
and  thofe  who  now  are ;  which  any  one  may  affirm  of  our 
anceftors  :  for  they  fo  rcligioufly  and  honourably  managed 
both  the  public  and  their  private  affairs,  as  was  worthy  of 
fuch  who  were  firft  begotten  by  the  gods,  built  a  city,  ufed 
laws,  and,  in  all  times,  obferved  piety  towards  tlie  gods, 
andjuftice  towards  men.  They  were  neither  mixed 'with 
Others,  nor  were  aliens,  but  alone  of  all  the  Greeks  native 
primaeval  inhabitants ;  who  had  the  foil  for  their  nurfe,  out 
of  which  they  were  born,  and  loved  it  in  fuch  a  manner  as 
the  beft  do  their  fathers  and  mothers ;  who,  befides,  were  fo 
dear  to  the  gods,  that  what  feems  very  difficult  and  rare, 
viz.  to  find  any  of  royal  and  monarchical  families,  who 
continue  four  or  five  centuries,  that  even  this  happened  to 
them  ;  for  Erichthonius,  born  of  Vulcan  and  the  Earth,  re- 
ceived both  the  palace  and  kingdom  from  Cecrops,  who  had 
no  children :  all  who  were  born  from  him,  having  received 

tho- 


) 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       z/r 

the  reins  of  government,  who  were  not  a  few  in  number, 
left  their  poffeflions   and  empires  down  to  Thefeus  ;  of 
whofe  virtue  and  actions  I  wiih  I  had  not  difcourfed  before; 
for  it  would  be  a  much  more  proper  place  to  fpeak  of  them 
in  this  oration,  of  which  our  city  is  the  topic.     But  it  was 
difficult,  or  rather  impoffible,  that  what  occurred  to  me  then, 
(hould  have  been  referved  to  this  time,  or  that  I  (hould  then 
forefee  this  occafion.     Let  me  therefore  omit  thofe  things^ 
fmce  I  have  ufed  them  on  an  improper  occafion.     I  will 
only  make  mention  of  one  adion,  which  has  happened  nei- 
ther to  have  been  mentioned  before,  nor  done  by  any  ether 
than  Thefeus,  and  was  the  greateft  proof  of  his  valour  and 
prudence :  for  having  a  moft  fecure  and  large  kingdom,  in 
which  he  had  done  many  and  noble  things,  both  in  war  and 
the  public  adminiftration,  he  defpifed  all  this ;  and  rather 
chofe  that  glory  which  arifes  from  labours  and  conilicSls, 
which  would  be  celebrated  in  all  futurity,  than  inadivity, 
and  that  felicity  which  vi^as  in  his  power,  on  account  of  his 
kingdom.     And  he  did  this,  not  after  he  was  become  old, 
bad  enjoyed  them,  or  was  fatiated  with  his  prefent  goods  ; 
but,  whilft  he  was  in  vigour,  he  left  the  c'ty  to  be  governed 
by  the  people ;  and  he  himfelf  never  ceased  to  face  dangers 
both  for  It  and  the  reft  of  Greece.    And  I  have  here,  as  far 
as  it  was  permitted  me,  made  mention  of  the  virtue  of 
Thefeus ;  and  I  made  mention  before,  and  not  negligently, 
ainm  virtues.     But  of  thofe  perfons  merits,  who  under- 
took the  adminiftration  of  that  city,  which  he  gave  them, 
^know  not  what  I  can  fay  that  is  fufficiently  worthy ;  who, 
tho'  they  were  ignorant  of  the  forms  of  republics,  yet  erred 
not  in  their  choice,  but  chofe  that  republic,  which  is  ac-- 
knowledged  by  all  not  only  the  moft  humane  and  equitable, 
but  the  moft  beneficial  and  pleafant  to  all  that  ufe  it;  for 
tEey~conftituted  fuch  a  democracy,   as  did  not  adminiftcr 
tilings  rafhly,  or  think  Infolence  liberty  ;  the  licence  of  do- 
ing as  each  pleafes^^^  happinefs;    but  which  reprehended 
thofe  things,  and  was  managed  by  an  arlftocracy :  which 

form,  tho'  it  is  ufcful,  the  vulgar  r^nk  with  that  which  con- 

, — — - — ^ ^ fifls 


i72       The    ORATIONS 

fifts  in  the  valuation  of  eftates  ;  not  that  they  err  by  fttipidi- 
ty,  but  becaufe  they  never  confider  things  of  this  nature.    I 
fay,  the  forms  of  republics  arc  thredf- Id  only ;  an  oligarchy^ 
a  democracy,  and  a  monarchy.     They  who  live  under  thefe 
forms,  and  chufe  thofe  for  magiflrates,  who  are  the  moft 
proper,  for  all  other  offices,  and  will  adminifter  the  public 
affairs  in  the  moft  jufl  and  beft  manner  ;  I  fay,  thofe  in  each 
republic  order  their  lives  mod  wifely  in  refpe^  of  them- 
felves  and  others  ;  but  that  they,  who  make  ufe  of  the  moft 
rafh  and  wicked  citizens  in  thefe  offices,  fuch  who  regard 
not  what  is  profitable  to  the  city,  but  are  ready  to  fubmit 
^  to  any  thing  for  fatiating  their  avarice,  who  would  have 
'  their  cities  filled  with  inhabitants  who  refemble  the  magi- 
Urates  in  improbity  :  I  judge  thofe,  on  the  contrary,  to  be 
the  worft  confultors  for  their  own  and  the  people's  eood- 
But  as  for  fuch,  who  neither  adt  thus,  nor  as  I  faid  before^ 
but  while  they  are  in  fafety,  honour  thofe  moft  who  flatter 
them ;  and,  as  foon  as  they  begin  to  fear,  have  recourfe  to 
the  beft  and  moft  prudent;  thefe,  I  judge,  will,  by  turns, 
manage  their  affairs  fometimcs  better,  and  fometimes  worfe. 
Suchj  therefore^  is  the  nature  of  republics  and  common- 
wealths.     -       .^^>., 

I  BELIEVE  thefe  topics  will  furnifh  to  others  more  words 
than  have  been  fpoken  -,  but  I  ought  not  to  difpute  any 
longer  about  them,  but  of  the  republic  only  of  our  ancef- 
tors :  for  I  have  promifed  to  demonftratc  this  of  more  va- 
lue, and  to  have  been  the  caufe  of  more  goods,  than  that 
conftituted  in  Sparta.  Now,  my  difcourfe  to  thofe  who 
willingly  hear  me  reafoning  about  a  wife  republic,  will  nei- 
ther be  troublefome,  nor  out  of  feafon,  but  connedled  with 
what  I  have  faid  before  ;  but  to  thofe  who  love  not  thefe 
things,  tho'  fpoken  wkh  great  care,  but  are  chiefly  pleafed 
with  fuch  who  abufe  others  in  public  affemblies,  or,  if  they 
abftain  from  fuch  frenzy,  praife  the  moft  vile  things,  or  the 
worft  of  all  men  who  ever  lived,  I  doubt  not  but  thij  ora- 
tion will  feem  longer  than  it  ought  to  be.  But  I  never 
efteemed  fuch  hearers,  nor  do  others  who  are  prudent  >  but 

thofe 


^ 


*^- 


"of    I  8  O  C  R  A  T  E  8.       273 

.  thofe  who  will  remember  what  I  have  now  faid,  more  than 
any  part  of  the  oration,  nor  will  blame  the  prolixity  of  the 
difcourfe,  though  it  fhould  contain  ten  thdufand  lines ;  but 
will  think  it  is  in  their  own  power  to  read  and  look  over 
what  part  of  it  they  pleafe  j  jetJL  efteem  thofe  the  moft, 
who  hear  nothing  _inore  willingly  than  an  oration  which 
commemorates  mens  virtues,  and  the  manners  of  well  con- 
ftituted commonwealths  J    which  would  fome  men,   and 
could  they  imitate,  they  would  both  poffefb  their  lives  in 
great  glory,  and  would  make  their  cities  happy.     I  have 
fliewn  what  fort  of  hearers  I  defire  of  my  oration ;  but  I 
am  afraid,  if  fuch  are  prefent,  left  I  fliould  feem  to  exprefs 
tnyfelf  in  a  far  meaner  manner  than  thofe  things  require 
which  I  am  going  to  fpeak  of.  - 

Therefore,  that  our  city,  in  thofe  times,  was  better 
governed  than  others,  we  may  juftly  attribute  to  thofe  kings    . 
whom  I  lately  mentioned.     It  was  they  who  inftru(5ied  the 
people  in  virtue,  juftice,  and  great  moderation,  and  taught 
them,  by  their  own  adminiftration,  what  I  am  going  to 
mention,  after  they  had  fliewed  it  by  example,  that  the 
form  of  every  commonwealth  is,  as  it  were,  the  foul,  which 
has  the  fame  power  as  prudence  in  the  body:  for  it  is  the 
adminiftration  which  muft  deliberate  about  every  thing, 
preferve  profperity-,  and  avoid  adverfity,  and  be  the  effective 
"caufe  of  the  good  which  happens  to  cities,  which  the  peo- 
ple, upon  the  change,  did  not  forget;  but  took  more  care 
of  this  than  other  things  to  chufe  leaders,  who  defired  a 
popular  ftate,  and  were  endowed  with  fuch  manners  as 
they  were,  who  governed  them  before ;  nor  did  they  negli- 
gently chufe  fuch  as  no  one  would  truft  any  thing  of  his 
private  affairs  to ;  nor  permit  thofe,  who  were  evidently 
bad,  to  have  any  {hare  in  the  government,  nor  fo  much  as 
bear  their  voice,  who  difgraced  their  own  bodies,  and  yet 
pretended  to  advife  others  how  they  fliould  govern  the  ftate, 
how  they  fliould  become  prudent,  and  manage  affairs  bet- 
ter.    They  would  not  fuffer  this ;  nor  would  they  bear  the 
voice  of  thofe  who  had  fpent  their  paternal  fubftance  in  in- 

T  famous 


«72       Th^     ORATIONS 

fifts  in  the  valuation  of  eftates  ;  not  that  they  err  by  flupidi- 
ty,  but  becaufe  they  never  confider  things  of  this  nature.  I 
fay,  the  forms  of  republics  arc  thre^old  only ;  an  oligarchy^ 
a  democracy,  and  a  monarchy.  They  who  live  under  thefe 
forms,  and  chufe  thofc  for  magiflrates,  who  are  the  moil 
proper,  for  all  other  offices,  and  will  adminifler  the  public 
affairs  in  the  mofl  jufl  and  beft  manner  ;  I  fay,  thofe  in  each 
republic  order  their  lives  moft  wifely  in  refped  of  them- 
felves  and  others  ;  but  that  they,  who  make  ufe  of  the  moft 
ralh  and  wicked  citizens  in  thefe  offices,  fuch  who  regard 
not  what  is  profitable  to  the  city,  but  are  ready  to  fubmit 
to  any  thing  for  fatiating  their  avarice,  who  would  have 
^their  cities  filled  with  inhabitants  who  refemble  the  magi- 
llrates  in  improbity  :  I  judge  thofe,  on  the  contrary,  to  be 
the  worft  confultors  for  their  own  and  the  people's  eood- 
But  as  for  fuch,  who  neither  adt  thus,  nor  as  I  faid  before^ 
but  while  they  are  in  fafety,  honour  thofe  mofl  who  flatter 
them ;  and,  as  foon  as  they  begin  to  fear,  have  recourfe  to 
the  befl  and  mofl:  prudent ;  thefe,  I  judge,  will,  by  turns, 
manage  their  affairs  fometimcs  better,  and  fometimes  worfe. 
Suchi  therefore,  is  the  nature  of  republics  and  common- 
wealths.    -         ,,     ,^.  :  -,  .  : 

I  BELIEVE  thefe  topics  will  furnifh  to  others  more  words 
than  have  been  fpoken  ;  but  I  ought  not  to  difpute  any 
longer  about  them,  but  of  the  republic  only  of  our  ancef- 
tors:  for  I  have  promifed  to  demonflratc  this  of  more  va- 
lue, and  to  have  been  the  caufe  of  more  goods,  than  that 
conflituted  in  Sparta.  Now,  my  difcourfe  to  thofe  who 
willingly  hear  me  reafoning  about  a  wife  republic,  will  nei- 
ther be  troublefome,  nor  out  of  feafon,  but  connedled  with 
what  I  have  faid  before  ;  but  to  thofe  who  love  not  thefe 
things,  tho'  fpoken  with  great  care,  but  are  chiefly  pleafed 
with  fuch  who  abufe  others  in  public  alTemblies,  or,  if  they 
abftain  from  fuch  frenzy,  praife  the  mofl  vile  things,  or  the 
worft  of  all  men  who  ever  lived,  I  doubt  not  but  this  ora- 
tion will  feem  longer  than  it  ought  to  be.  But  I  never 
efteemed  fuch  hearers,  nor  do  others  who  are  prudent ;  but 

thofe 


If 


f 


^^ 


4**i  ■ 


"of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       273 

thofc  who  will  remember  what  I  have  now  faid,  more  than 
any  part  of  the  oration,  nor  will  blame  the  prolixity  of  the 
difcourfe,  though  it  fhould  contain  ten  thoufand  lines ;  but 
will  think  it  is  in  their  own  power  to  read  and  look  over 
what  part  of  it  they  pleafe  j  yet  I  efteem  thofe  the  moft, 
who  hear  nothing  more  willingly  than  an  oration  which 
commemorates  mens  virtues,  and  the  manners  of  well  con- 
ftituted  commonwealths  J    which  would  fome  men,   and 
could  they  imitate,  they  would  both  pofTefb  their  lives  in 
great  glory,  and  would  make  their  cities  happy.     I  have 
fliewn  what  fort  of  hearers  I  defire  of  my  oration ;  but  I 
am  afraid,  if  fuch  are  prefent,  left  I  fhould  feem  to  exprefs 
myfelf  in  a  far  meaner  manner  than  thofe  things  require 
which  I  am  going  to  fpeak  of.  - 

Therefore,  that  our  city,  in  thofe  times,  was  better 
governed  than  others,  we  may  juftly  attribute  to  thofe  kings 
whom  I  lately  mentioned.     It  was  they  who  inftruded  the 
people  in  virtue,  juftice,  and  great  moderation,  and  taught 
them,  by  their  own  adminiftration,  what  I  am  going  to 
mention,  after  they  had  fhewed  it  by  example,  that  the 
form  of  every  commonwealth  is,  as  it  were,  the  foul,  which 
has  the  fame  power  as  prudence  in  the  body :  for  it  is  the 
adminiftration  which  muft  deliberate  about  every  thing, 
preferve  profperity-,  and  avoid  adverfity,  and  be  the  effective 
^caufe  of  the  good  which  happens  to  cities,  which  the  peo- 
ple, upon  the  change,  did  not  forget;  but  took  more  care 
of  this  than  other  things  to  chufe  leaders,  who  defired  a 
popular  ftate,  and  were  endowed  with  fuch  manners  as 
they  were,  who  governed  them  before ;  nor  did  they  negli- 
gently chufe  fuch  as  no  one  would  truft  any  thing  of  his 
private  affairs  to;  nor  permit  thofe,  who  were  evidently 
bad,  to  have  any  (hare  in  the  government,  nor  fo  much  as 
bear  their  voice,  who  difgraced  their  own  bodies,  and  yet 
pretended  to  advife  others  how  they  (hould  govern  the  ftate, 
how  they  fliould  become  prudent,  and  manage  affairs  bet- 
ter.    They  would  not  fuffer  this ;  nor  would  they  bear  the 
voice  of  thofe  who  had  fpent  their  paternal  fubftance  in  in- 

T  famous 


i 


«(*a 


^ 


i 


"^ 

4 


c^ 


274        The"  ORATIONS 

famous  pleafures,  and  fought  to  feek,  in  the  public  monieSj 
a  remedy  for  their  private  poverty ;  nor  their  voice  neither, 
who  always  feek  to  flatter,  and,  by  fo  doing,  throw  thofe 
who  liften  into  trouble  and  calamities.  All  will  judge,  that 
fuch  men  as  thefe  fhould  be  removed  from  all  public  coun- 
fcls ;  and,  befides  thofe,  fuch  as  fay  all  private  pofTeflions 
belong  to  the  city,  and  yet  are  not  afraid  to  plunder  thofe, 
which  are  its  right,  and  who  pretend  to  love  the  people,  but 
render  them  odious  to  all;  who,  in  words,  fear  for  the 
Greeks,  but,  in  fa6t,  injuring  and  calumniating  them  in 
fuch  a  manner,  that  they  make  others  fo  afFeded  towards 
us,  that  fuch  cities  as  are  befieged  would  fooner  admit  the 
befiegers  into  their  walls  than  our  garifons.  A  perfon  muft 
be  worn  out  with  writing,  fhould  he  attempt  to  expofe  all 
their  crimes  and  villainy  :  which  crimes  being  detefted  by 
our  fathers,  equally  with  fuch  as  were  guilty  of  them,  they  did 
not  make  any  counfellors  and  magiftrates,  but  the  moft  pru- 
dent, the  beft,  and  who  had  lived  thf  moft  innocent  lives. 
The  fame  they  made  generals,  and  fent  as  embafladors  on 
occafions,  and  committed  all  the  magiftracies  to  themj 
thinking,  that  thofe,  who,  in  a  public  fpeech,  both  would 
and  could  give  the  beft  advice,  that  they  alone,  and  in  all 
places,  and  about  all  bufmefs,  would  retain  the  fame  fent?- 
ments;  which  indeed  happened.  By  means  of  this  pru- 
dent judgment,  they  faw,  in  a  few  days,  written  laws,  not 
offuch  a  nature  as  the  prefent,  nor  full  of  fuch  confufion 
anf  contradiclions,  that  thofe  in  force  fignify  no  more 
than  thofe  that  were  annulled  ;  but  at  firft  few,  which 
yet  would  fuffice  thofe  who  were  to  ufe  them,  and  w^re 
eafy  to  be  underftood ;  then^  fuch  as  were  juft^  ufeful,  and 
confiftent  with  one  another,  and  tending  more  to  promote 
a  good  public  oeconomy,  than  even  private  commerce ; 
fuch  as  the  laws  ought  to  be  amongft  thofe  who  live  in  a 
well-regulated  commonwealth.  About  the  fame  time,  they 
invefted  with  magiftracies,  thofe  who  were  chofen  by  the 
companies  and  citizens ;  not  making  thofe  magiftracies 
fubje^  of  ambition,  or  worthy  of  defire,  but  more  like 

thofe 


>r- 


.'  ■- 


■>  «■-•■ 

■•ri 


^^>T     of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  '      27I 

ihofe  offices  which  give  trouble,  but  refle<Sl  honour  on  the 
"employed  ^  for  it  became  thofe  who  were  chofen  to  go- 
verh,  to  negledl  their  private  affairs,  and  to  abftain  as 
ihuch  Jrom  thofe  Unes,  which  are  ufually  given  to  the  ma* 
giftracy,  as  religioufly  as  from  the  donations  to  temples. 
(But  who  would  fuffer  this  cuftom  now  ?)  Such  who  dili- 
gently executed  their  offices,  after  a  moderate  encomium, 
they  deftined  to  another  employment ;  but  thofe  who  had 
the  leaft  failed,  incurred  the  gfeateft  difgraces  and  penal- 
ties :  fo  that  none  of  the  citizens,  as  now,  defired  ma- 
giftracies 3  but  it  was  more  agreeable  to  avoid  than  obtain 
them ;  and  all  thought  there  could  not  be  a  more  equitable 
republic,  and  more  beneficial  for  the  people,  than  that  which 
gave  them  an  immunity  from  fuch  fundions,  but  made 
them  mafters  of  eleding  magiftrates,  and  taking  punifli- 
ment  of  the  delinquent ;  which  happens  likewifc  under  the 
happieft  kings.  This  is  an  evident  fign,  that  they  loved 
what  I  fay  is  beft  y  for  it  is  certain,  that  the  people  oppofed 
the  other  forms  of  a  republic,  which  difpleafe,  overturned 
them,  and  flew  the  governors  j  but  made  ufe  of  this  no  Jefs  T-tc 
than  a  thoufand  years,  and  continued  in  it  from  the  time 
when  it  began  down  to  the  age  of  Solon,  and  regency  of 
Pififtratus  ;  who  being  made  a  governor  of  the  people,  much ' 
prejudiced  the  republic,  and  caft  out  the  beft  citizens,  as 
lovers  of  an  oligarchy,  and  at  laft  difTolvcd  the  popular 
ftate,  and  made  himfelf  monarch.  .  '*^" 

Perhaps  fome  will  fay,  that  I  fpeak  abfurdly  (for  this- 
oration  may  be  fpoken  againft),  becaufe  I  dare  exprefs  my- 
felf  as  if  perfectly  acquainted  with  thofe  affairs  I  was  not 
prefent  at  when  they  were  tranfaded.  Now,  I  judge,  I  da 
nothing  of  this  rafhly ;  for  if  I  alone  believed  what  is  faid 
of  the  antients,  and  thofe  writings  which  have  been  handed 
down  to  us,  I  might  be  juftly  blamed.  But  it  is  evident, 
that  many  and  prudent  men  do  the  fame.  Befides,  if  I  waar 
called  upon  to  give  proofs,  I  could  do  it,  that  all  men  ac- 
quire more  feieiices  by  hearing  than  feeing ;  yet  we  ought 
Jiot  to  negled  fuch  reprehenfions  (for,  perhaps,  if  no  one 


'4  ^-^i^-^ 


1  a 


anfwered. 


W*^ 


A 


»,-' 


I' 


vX-- 


^f  ..> 


,v^ 


\ 


276        The    ORATIONS 

anfwered,  thev  might  prejudice  truth),  nor  yet  dwell  too 
long  on  refuting  them ;  but,  after  having  hinted  reafons 
whereby  fuch  may  be  proved  to  trifle,  to  return  from  the 
digrefTion  to  our  fubjedt,  and  finifh  what  remains;  which  I 

fhall  do. 

It  is  already  fhewn  fufHciently,  what  was  the  order  of 
the  republic  which  then  was,  and  the  time  which  we  ufed 
it ;  it  remains,  that  we  recite  the  adtions  which  arofe  from 
a  well-regulated  republic.     By  thefe  it  will  be  clearer  un- 
derftood,  that  our  anceftors  had  a  better  and  more  mode- 
rate government  than  others ;  and  that  they  made  ufe  of 
fuch  counfellors,  as  it  becomes  prudent  men.     But  before  I 
explain  myfelf  on  thefe  heads,  I  muft  fpeak  a  few  prefatory 
words  to  thefe  critics ;  for  if,  negleding  their  reprehen- 
fions,  who  can  do  nothing  elfe  but  find  fault,  I  fliould  relate 
in  order  both  their  other  anions,  and  the  military  conduct, 
by  the  means  of  which  our  anceftors  conquered  the  Barba- 
rians, and  became  famous  among  the  Greeks ;  it  muft  hap- 
pen, that  feme  will  fay,  that  I  recite  the  laws  which  Lycur- 
gus  made,  and  the  Spartans  ufe.     I  indeed  confefs,  that  I 
ihall  mention  many  thin^.  which  are  received  amongft 
YGenTr  not  that  Lycurgus  invented,  or  firft  thought  of  them, 
but  that  he  imitated  the  government  of  our  anceftors  in  the 
^teft  manner  which  he  could,  and  conftituted  amongft  them 
a  democracy,  tempered  with  an  ariftocracy,  fuch  as  was 
amongft  us  ;  made  the  magiftrates  be  eleded  not  by  lots, 
but  votes,^an(i 'rendered  as  facred  by  law  the  eledion  of 
thofe  elders  "who  prefide  over  all  things,  as  it  is  faid  our  an-_ 
ceftors  did  in  the  eledion  of  thofe  who  were  chofen  into 
the  Areopagus :  befides,  he  gave  them  the  fame  authority 
which  he  knew  our  fenate  had.     That  therefore  he  regu- 
~lated  theiraffairs'asours  were  formerly,  it  is  eafy  for  thofe 
"who  are  defirous',  to  be  informed  by  many.     But  that  the^ 
Spartans  neither  excrcifed  the  arts  of  war  before,  nor  better 
^than  our  countrymen,  I  judge  I  (hall  make  fo  manifeft  by 
'thofe  conflias  and  battles,  which,  it  is  confefled,  happened 
^"at  that  time,  that  not  even  they,  who  are  fooliihly  partifans 

<?f 


m 


Vii* 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       277 

of  the  Lacedaemonians  fhall  be  able  to  contradict  my  words, 
nor  thofe  either  who  admire,  envy,  and  endeavour  to  imi- 
tate us. 

I  SHALL  make  an  exordium  of  what  I  am  going  to  fay, 
perhaps  unpleafant  to  fome  in  the  hearing,  but  not  ufelefs  in 
the  narration  ;  for  if  any  one  fay,  that  thefe  two  cities  have 
been  authors  of  great  good  to  the  Grecians,  and  of  the 
greateft  calamities  after  the  expedition  of  Xerxes,  he  muft 
appear  to  fpeak  the  truth  to  all  thofe  who  know  any  thing  of 
the  adlions  of  thofe  times  j  for  they  fought  bravely  againft 
his  power;  and,  when  they  had  done  this,  and  it  became 
them  to  have  confulted  wifely  about  what  remained,  they 
fell,  I  do  not  fay,  into  that  folly,  but  madnefs,  that,  with 
him  who  had  attacked,  and  defigned  to  have  entirely  de- 
ftroyed  both  thefe  cities,  and  opprefled  the  other  Greeks 
with  flavery;  with  fuch  a  one,  I  fay, whom  they  might  eafily 
have  conquered  both  by  fea  and  land,  they  made  a  perpetual 
peace,  as  with  one  who  had  been  a  benefactor  ;  and  envy- 
ing one  another's  virtues,  and  falling  into  mutual  war  and 
emulation,  they  ceafed  not  deftroying  themfelves,  and  other 
Grecians,  till  they  had  given  the  greateft  opportunity  to  the 
enemy  of  reducing  our  city  to  the  extremeft  danger  by  their 
power,  and  again  of  reducing  theirs  by  the  power  of  us. 
And  when  they  had  been  fo  far  furpafled  in  prudence  by  a 
barbarous  king,  they  neither  grieved  then  in  a  becoming 
manner  the  calamities  they  fuffered,  nor  as  was  worthy 
of  themfelves ;  nor  does  it  now  ftaame  fome  of  the  Grecian 
cities    to  flatter  for  his  wealth.     For  the  Argives   and 
Thebans  helped  him  to  conquer  Eg}^pt ,  we,  and  the  La  - 
cedaemonians,  though  there  is  an  alliance  betwixt  us,  are 
'more  hoftilely  inclined  towards  one  another,  than  againft 
thofe  we  fight  with.     Of  which  this  is  no  fmall  proof: 
for  we  confult  in  common  about  no  one  thing;  but  we 
feparately  both  of  us  fend  embaifadors  to  him,  hoping, 
that  whichfoever  city  he  favours,  will  render  itfelf  maf- 
ter  of  Greece ;  not  obferving,  that  he  is  wont  to  infult 
thofe  who  ferve  him,  but  endeavours,  by  all  methods,  to 

T  3  end 


\^ 


278       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

end  contentions   with   fuch  as   oppofe  and  contemn  hi3' 
power. 

I  HAVE  related  thefe  things,  not  ignorant  that  Tome  will 
be  bold  enough  to  fay,  that  I  have  ufed  difcourfe  foreign  to 
my  fubjedt.  But  I  think,  that  no  difcourfes  were  ever  fpoke, 
that  could  agree  better  than  thofe  with  what  went  before, 
or  by  which  any  one  can  better  fhevv  that  our  anceftors 
were  prudenter  than  they  in  things  of  thegreateft  moment; 
I  mean,  thofe  who  governed  our  city,  as  well  as  thofe  who 
governed  the  Spartan  city  after  the  war  with  Xerxes  ;  for  it 
is  certain,  that  they,  in  thofe  times,  made  peace  with  the 
Barbarians,  and  ruined  themfelves  and  other  cities,  and 
now  would  command  the  other  Greeks,  and  fend  embafla- 
dors  to  contrail  ft  iendfhip,  and  make  an  alliance  with  the 
Perlians.  But  they  who  before  held  our  city,  did  nothing 
of  this  nature,  but  quite  the  contrary  ;  for  they  as  refolutely 
abftained  from  Grecian  cities,  as  religious  perfons  from  the 
confecrated  gifts  in  temples;  and  they  thought  that  the 
moft  juft  and  necefTary  war,  which  by  all  mankind  was 
carried  on  againft  the  favagenefs  of  wild  beafts  :  the  next  to 
this,  that  which  was  by  all  the  Grecians  againft  the  Bar- 
barians, who  were  both  enemies  by  nature,  and  in  all  times 
ill-intentioned  to  us,  I  have  not  made  this  oration  out  of 
my  own  invention,  but  from  my  reafoning  upon  their  ac- 
tions ;  for  feeing  other  cities  entangled  in  many  diftrefles 
and  wars,  and  their  own  only  well  governed,  they  judged  it 
neither  became  them,  who  were  wifer,  and  managed  their 
republic  better  than  others,  either  to  difregard,  or  let  thofe 
cities  which  were  of  confanguinity  with  them  perifh  :  but 
that  they  ought  to  confider  how,  and  endeavour  to  free 
them  from  their  prefent  evils.  Having  thus  thought,  they 
tried,  by  embaflies  and  arguments,  to  put  an  end  to  the  diflen- 
fions  of  thofe  cities,  which  were  leis  difordered;  but  to  thofe 
who  laboured  more  under  feditions,  they  fent  thofe  of  the 
greateft  authority  among  their  citizens,  who  gave  them 
counfcl  about  fuch  things  as  were  then  in  agitation,  and 
cpnverfmg  with  thofe,  who,  on  account  of  poverty,  could 

not 


A 


!».■ 


-s*? 


•^J 


V 


1  -   •■wi>. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        279 

not  live  in  their  own  country,  and  were  by  nature  worfe  dif- 
pofed  than  was  convenient  for  the  laws  (fuch  ufiialiy  ruin 
cities)  ;  fuch,  I  fay,  they  perfuaded  to  make  war  along 
with  them,  and  feek  a  better  life  than  that  which  they  then 
led.     There  being  many  who  chofe  thefe  terms,  and  obeyed 
their  counfels,  compofmg  armies  of  them,  they,  after  their 
having  overthrown  and  driven  out  all  thofe  Barbarians,  who 
held  the  iflands,  and  who  inhabited  both  the  fhores  of  the 
continent,  placed  thofe  of  the  Greeks  there  who  were  in 
the  greateft  indigence.     And  they  never  ceafed  to  adl,  and 
fhew  this  to  others,  until  they  heard,  that  the  Spartans  had 
fubjeded  to  themfelves  the  Peloponnefian  cities.     After- 
wards, they  were  forced  to  turn  their  minds  to  their  own 
affairs.     What  good  then  came  from  that  war  carried  on 
about  the  colonies  and  feizure  of  lands  ?  (for,  I  judge,  moft: 
will  be  defirous  of  hearing  this.)  I  anfwer,  that  the  Greeks 
became  richer  in  all  the  neceflaries  of  life,  and  were  more 
at  concord,  by  being  freed  from  fuch  and  fo  many  men,  that 
the  Barbarians  were  driven  out  of  their  country,  and  be* 
became  more  fubmiflive  than  before ;  and  that  thofe  whet 
were  the  authors  of  thefe  things,  were  made  famous,  and 
doubled  the  extent  of  Greece.     Therefore  I  cannot  find  a 
greater  benefit,  or  a  more  univerfal  one  done  the.  Grecians, 
But,  perhaps,  we  ftiall  have  to  mention  what  will  be  more 
related  to  military,  knowledge,  and  tho'  worthy  of  lefs  ho- 
nour, yet  manifeft  to  all :  for  who  is  ignorant,  or  who  has 
not  heard  in  the  feaft  of  Bacchus  from  the  tragedians,  what 
happened  to  Adraftus  among  the  Thebans  ?  who  endea- 
vouring to  reftore  the  fon  of  CEdipus,  and  his  own  fon-ia.'> 
law,  loft  a  great 'many  of  the  Argives,  but  faw  all  his  cfen. 
turions  flain ;  and  he  having  ftiamefuUy  faved  himfelf,  when 
he  could  not  obtain  an  agreement,  nor  carry  ofF  the  dead 
for  burial,  becoming  a  fupplicant  to  our  city,  while  Thefeus 
governed  it,  prayed  that  it  would  not  fuiFer  fuch  men  to  h'e 
unburied,  and  an  antient  inftitute  and  native  cuftom  to  be 
abrogated,  which  all  men  ufe,  not  as  having  been  invented 
by  mortal  underftanding,  but  as  commanded  by  divine 

T  4  power  i 


28o       The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

power ;  which  Thefeus  having  heard,  and  making  no  de- 
lay, he  fcnt  embafTadors  to  Thebes,  who  might  perfuadc 
them  to  take  a  more  pious  refolution  concerning  the  dead, 
and  give  a  more  equitable  anfwer  than  the  former ;  and 
might  hint  this,  that  our  city  would  not  permit  them  to  in- 
fringe the  common  law  of  Greece  :  which  they  who  then 
governed  in  Thebes  having  heard,  they  were  not  of  that 
fentiment  which  fome  are  about  thofe  things,  nor  perfiftcd 
in  what  they  firft  decreed  j  but  when  they  had  pleaded  their 
caufe  with  moderation,  and  accufed  the  befiegers,  they 
gave  the  power  to  our  city  of  taking  away  the  dead 
bodies. 

Nor  let  any  one  imagine,!  am  ignorant,  that  I  now  feem 
to  fpeak  contrary  to  what  I  wrote  in  the  panegyric  concern- 
ing thefe  things.     But  I  think  none  of  thofe,  who  can  un- 
derftand  them,  will  be  fo  foolifh,  or  full  of  envy,  as  not  to 
praifeme,  and  judge  I  aded  prudently,  that  I  fpoke  then  in 
that  manner,  and  now  in  this.     I  know  I  have  wrote  on 
thefe  topics  juftjy  and  profitably  ;  but  how  much  at  that 
time  our  city  excelled  in  warlike  adions  (for  defigning  to 
demonftrate  this,  I  related  what  had  happened  at  Thebes), 
I  think  that  a£tion  evidently  fliews  to  all,  which  forced  the 
Argive  king  to  be  fuppliant  to  our  city,  and  reduced  the 
Theban  lords  to  thofe  ftraits,  that  they  chofe  rather  to  obey 
the  meiTages  fent  by  our  city  than  the  law  of  a  deity.    No- 
thing of  which  could  have  been  well  performed,  unlefs  our 
city  had  far  excelled  the  reft  in  authority  and  power. 

Having  many  and  noble  adions  to  mention  of  our  an- 
ceftors,  I  am  doubtful  in  what  method  I  (hall  treat  of  them ; 
for  I  am  more  follicitous  about  that  than  any  other  thing.    I 

axn  nny  romp  tojjiejlaft  part  of  the  difcourfe  which  I  de- 

• — liffil^J  in  which  I  projmTerXQ^HJ^^ 

exccilea"  the  ^ajrtan^jn  wars  and  battles.     This  orafloif 
'  wTTn^nTlHiSrm^cdi^  others  will 

know   it  to   be  true.    Juft  now   I  doubted,   whether  I 
Ihould   firft  relate  the  confiicls  and  battles  of  the  Spar- 
tans,  or  thofe  of  our  countrymen  ;  but  I  now  chufe  to  re- 
late 


\ 


& 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       281 

late  the  battles  of  the  former,  that  I  may  finifh  this  oration 
upon  thefe  two  cities,  by  their  more  glorious  and  equitable 
aftions.  After  that  the  Dorians,  who  had  marched  with  an 
army  into  Peloponnefus,  had  divided  the  cities  into  three 
divifions,  and  had  extorted  the  lands  from  fuch  as  had 
juftly  pofTefTed  them ;  they,  who  had  for  their  lot  Argos 
and  MefTena,  adminiftered  their  commonwealths  almoft  in 
the  fame  manner  as  the  other  Grecians.  As  for  the  third 
part,  whom  we  call  Lacedaemonians,  thofe,  who  have  tho- 
roughly examined  their  hiftory,  fay,  that  they  were  more 
feditious  than  any  other  of  the  Greeks ;  and  when  thofe, 
who  had  more  elevated  minds  than  the  vulgar,  were  be- 
come mafters,  they  took  not  fuch  meafures  as  are  ufually 
taken  by  thofe  who  have  fufFered  by  fedition ;  for  they  judged 
others,  who  allow  thofe  who  have  moved  a  fedition,  to  live 
in  the  city,  and  be  partakers  of  all  advantages  excepting 
magiftracies,  very  imprudent,  if  they  imagine  they  can  go- 
vern the  comrtionwealth  with  fecurity,  while  they  inhabit 
with  thofe  whom  they  have  trefpafTed  againft.  They  fay, 
the  Spartans  did  no  fuch  thing  ;  but  made  an  equality  a- 
mongft  themfelves,  and  fuch  a  democracy,  as  it  becomes 
thofe  to  make  who  would  always  live  in  concord  ;  but  that 
they  placed  the  common  people  about  them  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, oppreffing  their  minds  with  flavery,  no  lefs  than 
thofe  of  their  fervants.  After  they  had  done  this,  tho'  it 
was  juft  that  all  (hould  have  received  an  equal  portion  of 
land,  they  feized,  tho'  they  were  but  a  few,  not  only  the 
beft  part,  but  fo  much  as  no  others  of  the  Greeks  have ; 
and  they  only  divided  the  worft  part  amongft  the  multitude* 
that,  cultivating  it  with  a  great  deal  of  labour,  they  might 
fcarce  have  daily  food.  Afterwards  their  numbers  being  di- 
vided, they  made  the  vulgar  and  greateft  part  plant  them- 
felves in  a  very  narrow  compafs,  called  by  names  like  thofe 
who  dwell  in  cities,  but  having  lefs  power  than  the  com- 
moneft  people  amongft  us.  When  they  had  thus  deprived 
them  of  all  which  it  is  juft  freemen  fhould  enjoy,  they  im- 
pofed  on  them  the  greateft  (hare  of  dangers ;  for  in  thofe 

expedi- 


■  » 

^\1 


282        The    ORATIONS 

expeditions,  when  the  king  headed  their  army,  they 
obliged  them  to  fland  man  by  man  by  themfelves  j  and 
<bme  they  chofe,  who  were  to  be  placed  before  the  firft 
phalanx  ;  and,  if  it  was  necefTary  to  fend  fuccour  in 
labours  and  danger,  and  lighten  the  tedioufnefs  of  length 
of  time,  they  would  fend  thefe  to  run  the  hazards  of  o- 
thers.  Why  need  I  fay  more,  in  enumerating  all  the 
contumelies  done  the  multitude?  rather,  after  mention- 
ing the  greateft  evil,  let  us  omit  the  rei\;  for  it  is  per- 
mitted the  ephori,  without  pafling  judgment,  to  flay  as 
many  as  they  will,  of  thofe  who,  from  the  beginning,  have 
fufFered  fuch  hardihips,  and  on  occafion  are  fo  ufeful ;  tho' 
it  is  not  thus  permitted  the  other  Greeks  to  kill  the  moft  pro- 
fligate flavcs. 

I  THEREFORE  have  fpoke  more  at  large  of  their  manner 
of  treating  their  domeftics,  and  the  faults  committed  againft 
them,  that  I  might  alk  of  thofe  admirers  of  all  the  Spartans 
a£tions,  whether  they  approve  of  thefe,  and  the  wars  they 
have  had  with  the  inferior  clafs  ?  for  I  think  they  have  been 
great,  and  cruel,  and  the  caufes  of  calamities  to  the  con- 
quered, but  of  profits  to  the  vidtors  ;  for  the  fake  of  which 
thev  alwavs  continue  fio-hting;,  but  fuch  battles  indeed  as  are 
neither  religious,  reputable,  honourable,  nor  glorious,  for 
thofe  who  claim  that  excellence  which  confifls  not  in  arts 
,and  many  other  things,  but  that  which  grows  up  in  the 

\^*  mind  with  piety  and  juftice,  and  about  which  is  all  this 
difcourfe ;  which  fome  defpifmg,  praifc  them,  altho'  they 
have  committed  more  faults  than  others  :  nor  do  they  ob- 
ferve,  that  they  betray  their  own  minds,  and  fhew  that  they 
would  pr'aife  thofe  who  dared  toktihtheir  brother^,  friends, 

'arid  "partners,  if  they  might  enjoy  their  poflefTionsT  for  fuch 
"^Crimes  are  like  thofe  which  the  Spartans  have  committed, 
which  whofoever  approve  of,  muft  have  the  fame  fentiment 
about  what  I  have  mentioned.  I  wonder  there  (hould  be 
any,  who  do  not  think  that  battles  and  vi6tories,  gained  con- 
trary torighi,  are  more  ihameful,  and  difgraced  by  infamy, 
than  defeats  received  without  cowardice  ;   efpecially  fince 

they 


I 

t 


/ 


of  -I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       283 

they  know,  that  great  but  wicked  armies  arc  often  fuperior 
to  good  men,  and  thofe  who  chufe  to  run  dangers  for  their 
trountry  ;  whom  we  may  with  much  more  juftice  praife> 
than  thofe  who  are  ready  to  die  for  acquiring  others  proper- 
ties, and  are  like  to  mercenary  troops  ;  for  thefe  are  the  ac- 
tions of  defperate  men.     But  that  good  men  fometimes 
fhould  more  unfuccefsfully  make  war  than  aggrefTors  in  in- 
juries, fome  one  perhaps  will  fay,  proceeds  from  the  negli- 
gence of  the  gods.     This  argument  I  may  ufe  in  regard  of 
thofe  calamities  which  befel  the  Spartans  at  Thermopylae, 
which  all  who  have  ever  heard  of,  praife  and  admire  more 
than  thofe  battles  which  were  gained  over  adverfaries,  hut 
were  fought  againfl  thofe  thev  ought  not  to  have  been : 
which  vidlories  fome  take  a  plcafure  in  praifing,  being  ig- 
norant that  nothing  is  religious  or  honefl,  which  is  not  faid 
and  done  with  juftice;  which  never  was  the  care  of  the 
Spartans :  for  they  have  in  view  nothing  elfe,  but  to  feize 
oh  others  properties  as  much  as  poflible.     But  our  citizens 
never  laboured  any  thing  with  fuch  ardor,  as  to  flourifh  with 
glory  amongft  the  Greeks ;  for  they  thought,  that  no  fen- 
tence  could  be  more  true  or  equitable  than  fuch  as  was  gi- 
ven by  the  whole  nation.     They  fliewed  they.were  of  this 
mind,  both  by  their  behaviour  in  the  adminiftration  of  the 
repub|[c,  and  their  other  adions ;  for  in  all  the  three  wars 
which  happened  betwixt  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians,  befides 
the  Trojan,  our  city  was  the  chief:  one  of  which  was  that 
Z  U^U   carried  on  againft  Xerxes,  in  which  out  citizens  as  far  ex- 
celled the  Lacedaemonians  as  they  did  all  others;  the  other 
was  that  which  happened  at  the  time  when  the  colonies  were 
eftablifhed,  and  to  which  none  of  the  Dorians  came  as  fuc- 
cours :  but  our  city,  becoming  the  leader  of  the  indigent, 
and  of  as  many  others  as  would,  changed  affairs  fo,  that 
it  was  the  caufe,  tho*  the  Barbarians  were  accuftomed  to 
feize  the  greateft  Grecian  cities,  that  the  Greeks  could  do 
what  they  before  had  fuffered.     Of  thefe  two  wars  enough 
has  been  faid  in  the  preceding  oration  ;  I  will  now  make 
mention  of  the  third,  which  was  raifed  when  the  Grecian 

cities 


9 


«  *. 


•••(v.'* 


:  ? 


284       The     ORATIONS 

cities  were  lately  rebuilt,  and  ours  yet  obeyed  the  king; 
during  which  period,  both  the  dreadfulleft  wars  and  the 
grcateft  dangers  happened;  all  which  I  can  neither  imagine 
or  explain.     Omitting  therefore  the  greateft  part  of  what 
was  done  at  that  time,  but  not  neceflary  to  be  mentioned 
at  prefent,  I  will,  as  briefly  as  I  can,  endeavour  to  fpeak  of 
thofe  who  attacked  our  city,  and  thofe  battles  which  were 
worthy  of  remembrance;  as  likewife  of  our  captains,  the 
caufes  pretended,  and  the  power  of  thofe  nations  which 
followed  them:  for  thefc  things  will  fuffice^  befides  what 
we  have  faid  of  the  adverfaries.     The  Thracians,  indeed, 
.with  Eumolpus  the  fon  of  Neptune,  made  an  inroad  upon 
our  lands,  and  contended  for  the  city  with  Eridheus,  fay- 
ing, that  Neptune,  before  Mincr\'a,  had  feizcd  on  it ;  and 
the  Scythians,  with  the  Amazons,  who  were  faid  to  be  be- 
gotten by  Mars,  undertook  an  expedition  on  account  of  An- 
tiope,  the  fifter  of  Hippolita,who  had  both  violated  the  laws 
that  were  fac red  amongft  tliem,  and  captivated  with  the  love 
of  Thefeus,  had  followed   and  been  married  to  him :  but 
the  Peloponnefians  doing  the  fame  with  Euryftheus,  who 
had  not  fufFered  for  thofe  injuries  which  he  had  done  Her- 
cules, and  he  undertaking  a  war  againft  our  anceftors,  as 
if  he  would  take  thence  his  children   (for  they  had  fled  to 
us),  fufFered  that  which  was  due  to  his  merits ;  for  he  was 
fo  far  from  performing  what  he  had  written  in  his  letters, 
that  he  would  bring  the  fupplicants  under  his  power,  that, 
conquered  in  a  battle,  and  taken  by  our  men,  he  finilhed 
his  life,  after  he  had  begged  it  of  thofe  whom  he  had  de- 
manded.    After  this,  when  thofe  fent  by  Darius  to  ravage 
Greece,  had  made  a  defcent  at  Marathon,  and  they  were 
involved  in  morediftreiles  and  greater  calamities  than  they 
hoped  to  have  brought  upon  our  city,  they  were  all  forced 
to  fly   out  of  Greece.     Our  anceftors,  therefore,  when 
they  had  conquered  all  thofe  who  did  not  invade  them  at 
the  fame  time,  but  as  opportunity,  cheir  utility,  or  counfels 
happened,  and  had  repulfed  their  injuries,  were  not  changed 
when  they  had  done  fuch  great  things,  nor  fufFered  the  fame 


as 


f 

I* 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       285 

as  thofe,  who,  becaufe  they  had  confulted  prudently,  and  had 
acquired  great  wealth  and  glory,  being  elated  by  fuch  gran- 
deur, and  blinded  by  pride,  were  deprived  of  reafon,  and 
reduced  to  a  more  humble  and  worfe  ftate  than  what  they 
were  in  before.  But  avoiding  this,  they  perfevered  in  their 
own  inftitutes,  becaufe  they  had  a  better  government; 
conceiving  higher  thoughts  from  the  habit  of  their  minds, 
and  prudence,  than  from  the  pafl:  battles,  and  becaufe  they 
would  be  more  admired  by  others  for  this  conftancy  and  mo- 
deration, than  that  valour  which  they  {hewed  amidft  labours 
and  dangers  ;  for  they  all  perceived,  that  many  of  thofe  who 
exceed  in  wickednefs,  have  warlike  bravery ;  but  that  the 
bad  are  ypid  of  that  virtue,  which  is  ufeful  in  all  ihings,  and 
can  benefit  every  one  ;  and  that  it  is  inherent  in  them  alone, 
"who  are  happily  born,  educated,  and  inflruded,  which  - 
thofe,  who  then  governed  the  city,  were  poflfefled  of,  and 
thereby  were  the  authors  of  all  the  felicity  I  have  mentioned 
above. 

I  HAVE  obferved  others  to  conclude  their  orations  with 
the  greateft  and  moft  memorable  tranfadtions.  Indeed  I 
think  thofe  who  fo  judge  and  fo  do,  to  be  wife  men ;  but  as 
it  is  not  permitted  me  to  do  the  fame,  I  muft  extend  my 
oration  beyond  thofe  bounds.  The  reafon  why  I  do  fo,  I 
ihall  mention  hereafter,  when  I  have  fpoken  of  thofe  advo- 
cates for  the  Spartans.  I  was  correding  this  oration,  when 
it  was  written  fo  far  as  we  are  come,  with  three  or  four  ^ 
young  perfons  who  ufed  to  converfe  with  me ;  when  we  had 
read  it  over,  it  feemed  to  be  well  compofed,  and  only  to 
want  a  conclufion  ;  yet  I  judged  it  proper  to  fend  for  fome 
one  of  thofe  who  had  been  my  fcholars,  but  had  lived  in  an 
oligarchy,  and  had  always  afFeded  to  praife  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians ;  that  if  any  thing  falfely  fpoken  had  efcaped  me,  he, 
by  his  quick  perception,  might  acquaint  me  with  it.  When 
he  therefore  came,  and  had  read  the  oration,  he  found  no- 
thing which  I  had  written  amifs,  but  praifed  it  very  much, 
and  faid  of  each  part  ahnoft  the  fame  as  we  judged; 
tho'  it  appeared  he  did  not  approve  of  thofe  things  which 

had 


^=*'''**^''''^^'''"»"^'^^*^^^^ 


286       The     ORATIONS 

had  been  fald  of  the  Lacedaemonians.     He  foon  fhewcd  it  ; 
for  he  dared  to  fay,  that,  had  they  been  authors  of  no  othe^ 
good  to  the  Greeks,  yet  all  fhould  be  juftly  grateful  to  them 
on  this  account,  that,  having  invented  the  nobleft  infti- 
tutes,  they  themfdves  had  ufed  them,  and  had  (hewn  them 
to  others.     This  fo  fhort  and  brief  an  afTertion,  was  the 
reafon  I  did  not  finifh  the  oration  as  I  defigned,  but  thought 
I  fhould  aa  fhamefully,  and  with  mcannefs,  if,  being  pre- 
fent  my felf,  I  fhould  fuffer  any  of  my  difciples  to  ufe  fuch 
indecent  exprefTions.     Thinking  in  this  manner,  I  afked  of 
him,  if  he  had  no  value  for  the  perfons  prefent,  nor  was 
afhamed  of  an  impious  and  falfe  pofition,  which  Was  like- 
wife  full  of  contradidions.     You   will  underfland,  added 
I,  that  It  IS  fuch,  if  you  afk  of  the  prudent  what  inftitutea 
they  judge  the  moft  beautiful ;  and,   again,  how  long  it  is 
fince  the  Spartans  have  inhabited  Peloponnefus.     There  is 
none  but  will  think  the  chief  of  all  inftitutes  to  be  p^to- 
^^-ards  the  gods,  juftice  towards  men,  and  prudence  in  other 
ihmgs.     All  will  fay,  the  Spartans  have  not  inhabited  there 
above  feven  hundred  years.     Thefe  things  being  fo,  if  yoii 
fay  the  truth,  when  youaflbrt  that  they  were  the  inventers 
cf  the  befl  inftitutes,  it  neccflarily  follows,  that  thofe  who 
were  born  many  ages  before  the  Spartans  had  fettled  there,- 
were  not  partakers  of  them  ;  neither  thofe  who  fought  at 
Troy,  nor  thofe  born  in  the  time  of  Hercules  and  Thefeus^ 
nor  Minos  the  fon  of  Jupiter,  nor  Rhadamanthus,    nor 
i^acus,  nor  any  of  the  rcii  who   are  now  celebrated  in 
hymns  for  thefe  virtues,  but  all  of  them  enjoy  a  falfe  ho- 
nour.    But  if  you  triile,  and  it  is  reafonable  that  thofe 
who  were  born  of  gods,  fhould  both  have  pradifed  thefe 
virtues  more  than  others,  and  have  fhewed  them  to  polle- 
rity,  it  cannot  happen  otherwife,  but  that  you  mufl  feem 
extravagant  to  the  hearers,  when  you  praife  any  in  fo  rafh 
and  fuch  an  unjuft  a  manner  -,  and  commend  thofe  who  dc^ 
fcrve  reprehenfion,  as  if  you  had  heard  nothing  of  my  ora- 
tion.    Thus  you  had  erred  before,  but  had  not  fpoken  con- 
tradiaions  i  but  when  I  ha\  e  produced  my  oration,  whicl* 

(hcwsy 


1.  /; 


■    of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        287 

ihews,  that  the  Lacedaemonians  have  committed  many  and 
heinous  anions  againfl  their  relations  and  other  Greeks, 
how  could  you  fay,  that  thofe  who  were  guilty  of  fuch 
crimes,  were  the  chief  authors  of  the  noblcfl  inflitutes  ? 
Befides,  I  wondered,  that  you  Ihould  be  ignorant,  that  it  is 
not  every  one  who  finds  out  that  which  is  either  wanting  to 
inflitutes,  arts,  or  any  other  things,  but  thofe  who  excel  in 
genius,  have  been  able  to  learn  the  mofl  antient  fciences, 
and  have  applied  their  minds  more  than  others  to  new  in- 
ventions J  from  all  which  the  Lacedaemonians  are  remoter 
than  the  very  Barbarians :  for  it  will  appear,  that  thefe  have 
been  both  the  fcholars  and  teachers  of  many  inventions ; 
but  the  others  have  been  fo  averfe  to  common  learning  and 
philofophy,  that  they  learn  not  letters;  which  have  fuch 
power,  that  whofoever  know  them  well,  and  ufe  them 
rightly,  know  not  only  what  is  done  in  their  own  age,  but 
what  was  done  in  all  times.     Yet  you,  I  fay,  have  dared 
to  call  thofe  who  are  ignorant  of  fuch  things,  the  inventers 
of  the  noblcfl  difcipline ;  and  tho*  you  know  this,  that  they 
habituate  their  children  to  fuch  exercifes,  by  which  they 
may  not  become  benefa<Stor3  to  Greece,  but  may  prejudice  it 
much  as  poffible.     And  fhould  I  reckon  up  all  their  exer- 
cifes, I  fhould  caufe  a  great  naufea  both  in  myfelf  and  hear- 
ers.    But  when  I  have  mentioned  only  one,  which  they 
love,  and  are  fondeft  of,  I  think  I  fhall  have  demonflratcd 
all  their  manners ;  for  they  fend  their  youth,  as  foon  as  they 
rife,  into  the  fields,  on  pretence  of  hunting,  but,  in  faa,  to 
rob  thofe  who  live  in  the  country :  in  which  cafe,  fliould 
they  be  taken,  they  pay  money,  and  are  lafhed  for  it ;  but 
thofe  who  have  committed  more  crimes,  and  could  carry  off 
fomething,  are  more  celebrated  among  the  boys  than  others ; 
and  when  they  arrive  at  manhood,  if  they  continue  in 
thefe  pra6tices  they  loved  when  boys,  they  fland  the  fairefl 
chance  for  the  highefl  magiflracies.     Now,  if  any  one  can 
(hew  me  any  part  of  their  difcipline  more  loved  by  them, 
Dr  more  honoured,  I  will  confefs  I  have  hitherto  faid  nothing 
to  any  purpofe.   But  what  is  there  noble,  whathonefl:,  nay, 

I  not 


3 


I  / 


\ 


±%g      The     ORATIONS 

not  worthy  of  ftiame,  in  fuch  actions  ?  How  can  any  one 
^o  other  wife  than  efteem  them  mad,  who  praife  thofe  who 
have  fo  far  departed  from  the  fenfe  of  common  laws,  and 
think  not,  in  this  refpect,  either  with  Greeks  or  Barbari- 
ans  ?  for  thefe  think  the  mifchievous  and  thieves  worfe  than 
flaves :  the  other,  thofe  boys,  who  are  chief  in  fuch  actions* 
the  beft  among  their  fellows,  and  honour  them  the  moft. 
But  what  prudent  man  would  not  chufe  rather  to  die,  than 
be  known,  by  fuch  practices,  to  imagine  he  could  intro- 
duce virtue  ? 

'    When  he  had  heard  this,  he  did  not  confidently  oppofe 
any  thing  I  faid,  nor  yet  was  entirely  filent ;  but  added,  you 
indeed  (meaning  me)  have  fpoke  in  fuch  a  manner,  as  if  I 
approved  of  all  thofe  things,  and  think  they  are  right.  You 
feem  to  me  juftly  to  blame  them  for  the  licentioufnefsof  their 
children,  and  many  other  things,  but  yet  to  find  fault  with 
meunjuftly  :  for  I  was  forry,while  I  read  the  oration,  not  fo 
'^  much  for  what  was  faid  in  it  againft  the  Lacedaemonians,  as 
becaufe  I,  who  was  hitherto  accuftomed  to  praife  them,  had 
nothing  to  oppofe.     When  I  was  reduced  to  thefe  ftraits, 
I  faid  what  remained  to  me,  viz.  that  we  ought  to  be  grate- 
ful to  them,  if  on  no  other  account,  at  leaft  on  this,  that 
they  ufed  the  moft  beautiful  inftitutes.     I  faid  not  this  with 
a  vieiv  either  to  piety,  jufHce,  or  prudence,  which  you  men- 
tioned, but  to  the  gymnaftic  games,  their  exercifes  of  forti- 
tude, their  concord,  and,  in  a  word,  their  military  artj 
which  all  will  confefs  to  be  noble,  and  they  chiefly  to  ufc 

them. ^ 

— ^He  having  faid  this,  I  received  his  anfwer,  not  as  if  he 
had  refuted  any  thing  of  my  accufation  ;  but  as  hiding  what 
was' the  moft  vehemently  faid,  not  illiterately,  but  wifely, 
and  as  having  defended  the  other  things  more  modeftly  than 
he  at  firft  boaited.  But  omitting  this,  I  told  him,  I  had  a 
more  grievous  accufation  againft  what  he  laft  had  faid,  than 
about  the  boys  thieving ;  for  by  that  exercife,  faid  I,  they 
have  corrupted  their  own  children ;  but  by  what  you  now 
have  mentioned,  they  have  ruined  Greece.     It  is  an  eafy 

I  matter 


t 


i: 


■i- 


fh-" 


■.1.% 


bf    ISOCRATES.        289 

ipatter  to  know  this ;  for,  I  think,  all  will  confcfs,  that      i\ 
thofe  are  the  worft  of  men,  and  worthy  of  the  greateft  pu-     / 1  \ 
nifhments,  who  ufe  things  which  were  invented  for  good>        fi 
to  the  ruin  of  others,  not  of  Barbarians,  nor  delinquents,        | 
nor  of  thofe  who  invade  their  country,  but  of  thofe  who        I 
are  moft  united  with  them  by  alliances  and  blood ;  which 
the  Spartans  have  done.     Now,  how  can  any  one  fay 7th at        ' 
they  ufe  the   military  art  well,   who  have  never  ceafed        \ 
to  deftroy  thofe  at  all  times,  whom  they  ought  to  havepre—     • 
ferved  ?  But  you  are  not^Tonly^pertB'n  TgnSant  of  what         ? 
they  ufe  well,  but  almoft  all  the  Greeks ;  for  as  foon  as  they »       \ 
have  feen  any  do  foy  or  have  heard  from  others,  that  they 
ardently  ftudy  thofe  things  which  are  efteemed  laudable^ 
they  immediately  praife  them,  and  make  many  difcourfes  of 
them,  thq'  they  do  not  know  what  will  happen.     But  it 
becomes  thofe  who  would  judge  with  fanity^  to  be  calm  in 
things  of  this  nature  in  the  beginning,  and  have  no  opinion 
about  them  ;  but  when  fuch  a  time  is   elapfed,  that  they 
have  been  obferved  fpeaking  and  acting  both  in  private  and 
public  affairs,  then  we  fhould  confider  each  of  them  accu- 
rately, and  honour  and  praife  thofe  who  apply  with  jufticc 
and  integrity  thofe  ftudies  which  they  have  chofen,  but  to 
reprehend  the  delinquent  and  profligate,  and  ihun  their  ex- 
ample ;  refledling,  that  the  nature  of  things  neither  benefit      ^ 
or  prejudice  us,  but  that  the  ufe  made  of  them  by  men,  and 
their  a£tions,  are  the  caufes  to  us  of  all  events.     This  any 
one  may  know  from  hence >  for  the  fame  things  every  where, 
;ind  no  ways  differing,  are  ufeful  to  fome,  and  hurtful  to  * 
others  :  but  it  is  not  confonant  to  reafon,  that  each  thing 
Ihould  have  a  nature  contrary  to  itfelf,  and  not  be  the  fame  j , 
yet  that  nothing  fhould  happen  of  a  like  nature  to  thofe  • 
who  act  rightly  and  juftly,  which  happens  to  thofe  who  live 
luftfully  and  fhamefully,  will  appear  no  myftery  to  thofe 
who  reafon  juftly.     The  fame  difcourfe  would  hold  good 
about  concord ;  for  it  is  of  a  fimilar  nature  with  other  vir- 
tues :  but  yet  I  affirm,  that  one  fort  of  concord  is  the  caufe 
of  many  goods,  but  the  other  of  many  calamities  -,  and 

U  fuch 


290       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

fuch  is  that  of  the  Spartans-:  for  the  truth  fhall  be  fpoken, 
tho'  I  may  feem  to  fome  to  fay  what  is  incredible.  They 
taking  it  for  an  opportunity,  that  they  underftood  from  tra- 
vellers, how  the  Greeks  were  at  variance  amongft  them- 
felves,  fo  behaved,  as  if  they  thought  that  rapine  was  art, 
and  that  what  is  the  greatcft  calamity  to  other  cities,  they 
.  believed  moft  beneficial  to  themfelves.  By  this  means,  it  was 
in  their  power  to  treat  thofe  cities  which  were  fo  aifii£bed, 
as  they  pleafed.  Therefore  none  can  juftly  praife  them  for 
their  concord  any  more  than  pyrates,  and  thofe  who  arc 
occupied  in  other  malevolent  acStions  and  injuflices ;  for 
they,  by  agreement  among  themfelves,  flay  others.  But 
if  I  ihould  feem  to  make  a  comparifon  unworthy  of  their 
glory,  I  will  omit  it;  and  fay  then,  that  the  Treballi,whom 
all  allow  to  agree  better  together  than  all  other  men,  yet 
flay  not  only  their  neighbours,  and  thofe  who  dwell  near  to 
them,  but  all  others  which  they  can  reach  i  whom  certainly 
it  does  not  become  thofe,  who  are  lovers  of  virtue,  to  imi- 
tate, but  the  beauty  of  wifdom,  of  juftice,  and  other  virtues. 
Yet  thofe  virtues  benefit  not  their  own  natures,  but  render 
thofe  they  come  to,  apd  remain  with,  happy.  But  the  La- 
cedaemonians, on  the  contrary,  ruin  thofe  they  approach, 
and  claim  the  goods  of  others  as  their  own  lawful  pof- 
feffion. 

When  I  had  faid  this,  Ifilenced  him  I  fpoke  againff, 
an  able  man,  experienced  in  many  things,  and  as  well 
verfed  in  the  art  of  fpeaking  as  any  of  my  difciples.  But 
all  the  youths  that  were  with  me,  were  not  of  the  fame 
fentiment  as  I ;  yet  they  praifed  me,  as  having  difputed 
more  ardently  than  they  had  expedled,  and  contended 
nobly ;  but  him  they  defpifed,  not  judging  wifely,  but  mif- 
taking  about  both  :  for  he  went  away  wifer,  and  with  fuch 
a  humble  mind,  as  becomes  wife  men,  and  experiencing- 
fomething  of  a  like  nature  with  what  is  mentioned  in  the 
Delphian  oracle :  he  underftood  himfelf,  and  the  Lacede- 
monians, better  than  before.  But  I  was  left  fuccefsful 
enough  ia  ^he  difpute,  yet  left  more  foolifli  on  that  account, 

and 


LI 


fr 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      291 

and  bolder  than  becomes  perfons  of  my  age,  full  of  juvenile 
perturbation.     It  appeared  I  was  fo  afFeded  ;  for  as  foon  as 
I  had  leifure,  I  did  not  reft  before  I  dilated  to  my  boy  that 
oration  which  I  had  made  a  little  before  with  fo  much  plea- 
fure,  tho*  it  was  a  little  after  like  to  give  me  trouble ;  for 
though  I  had  written  all  things  in  it  nobly  and  juftly,  yet  I 
grieved,  and  was  forry  for  what  I  faid  of  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians :  for  I  did  not  feem  to  myfelf  to  have  fpoken  mode- 
rately of  them,  nor  as  of  others,  but  negligently,  with  too 
much  acrimony,  and  an  entire  inconfideration.  Wherefore 
often  inclined  to  blot  it  out,  or  burn  it,  I  changed  my  pur- 
pofe,  pitying  my  old  age,  and  the  labour  I  had  employed 
in  its  compofition.     While  I  was  in  this  trouble,  and  often 
repented,  I  thought  it  moft  prudent,  after  calling  thofe  of 
my  difciples  who  were  in  the  city,  to  deliberate  with  them 
whether  this  oration  was  to  be  fupprefled,  or  delivered  to 
thofe  who  would  receive  it ;  and  determined  to  do  what 
feemed  proper  to  them.     Refolving  thus,  I  made  no  delay  ; 
but  they  were  foon  called  together  whom  I  mentioned.     I 
told  them  on  what  occafion  they  were  met,  and  the  oration 
was  read.     It  was  praifed,  received  with  applaufe,  and  ob- 
tained  all  the  ends  which  thofe  do  who  fucceed  in  orations 
of  the  declamatory  kind.     This  being  over,  the  others  dif- 
puted among  themfelves  about  what  had  been  read ;  but  he,- 
whom  I  had  firft  confulted,  him,  I  mean,  who  praifed  the 
Lacedaemonians,  and  with  whom  I  had  difputed  more  than 
I  ought;  after  he  had  ordered  filence  and  looked  at  me,  faid, 
he  doubled  what  he  ftiould  do  at  prefent ;  that  he  would  nei- 
ther dift)elieve  the  things  I  had  advanced,  nor  yet  entirely 
afTent  to  them.     I  wonder,  fays  he,  if  you  were  fo  grieved 
or  forry,  as  you  intimate,  for  thofe  things  which  have  been 
fpoken  of  the  Lacedaemonians  (for  I  fee  nothing  of  fuch  a 
nature  as  to  deferve  repentance),  or  whether  you  did  not 
defignedly  call  us  together  to  confult  about  the  oration,  and 
whom  you  well  knew  would  praife  whatever  you  fay  or  do. 
Prudent  perfons  arc  accuftomed  to  communicate  thofe  writ- 
ings which  they  finifh  with  great  labour,  efpecially  to  thofe 

U  2  who 


292        The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

who  are  wifer  than  themfelvcs;  at  leaft,  with  thofe  who  will 
give  their  opinion  freely ;  the  contrary  of  which  you  have 
done :  neither  of  which  reafons  I  approve  of.     But  you 
iJe^m  to  mc  to  have  caufed  this  meeting  of  ours,  and  com- 
pofed  the  panegyric  of  the  city  not  in  a  fimple  view,  nor  as 
you  have  laid  to  us,  but  becaufe  you  had  a  mind  to  make 
trial  of  us,  whether  we  ferioufly  apply  ourfelves  to  our  iiu- 
dks,  and  remember  thofe  things  we  heard  during  our  in- 
jliri>6tion,  and  perceive  the  method  and  art  of  the  oration. 
You  indeed  feem  prudently  to  praife  your  city,  that  you 
may  pleafe  the  multitude  of  citizens,  and  acquire  glory  a- 
mongft  tjiofe  who  are  benevolent  to  us.     When  you  had 
determined  upon  this,  you  thought,  if  you  made  mention 
of  it  alone,  and  fpoke  of  thofe  fabulous  things  which  all 
mens  mouths  are  full  of,  all  that  you  faid  would  look  like 
what  had  been   written  by  others ;  for  which  you  would 
have  been  greatly  afhamed  and  grieved  :  but  that,  if  omit- 
ting thefe  things,  you  fhould  recite  thofe  a<Slions  which  are 
,  flowed  true  by  all,  and  have  been  the  caufes  of  many  goods 
to  the  Grecians,,  and  compare  them  with  thofe  of  the  La- 
cedaemonians, and  extolled  the  a£tions  of  our  anceftors? 
but  depreciated  thofe  done  by  them,  your  oration  would 
fcem  more  full  of  energy  to  the  hearers,  and  you  would 
dwell  on  thofe  topics,  which  fome  would  admire  more  than 
other  writings.     You  therefore  feem  to  mc  to  have  difpofed 
things  fo,  and  defigned  them  from  the  beginning;  but 'be- 
ing confcious  that  you  have  praifed  tlie  city  of  Sparta  be- 
yond any  other  men,  you  feem  to  have  been  appreheofive  left 
the  hearers  fhould  think  you  like  thofe  who  throw  out  all^ 
that  prefents  itfelf  to  their  imaginations ;  and  therefore  now 
difpraife  thofe  whom  you  had  elevated  more  than  others. 
Intending  this,  you  feem  to  me  to  have  confidered,  by 
what  method  of  defcribing  them  you  might  feem  to  fpeafe 
truth  of  both,  praife  your  anceftors  as  you   pleafed,  and' 
feem  to  fuch  as  are  ill-difpofed  towards  the  Spartans,  to  ac- 
cufe  them,  but,  in  fa£l,  do  no  fuch  thing,  but  write  their 
iddden  encomium.     When  vou  had  this  in  view,  vou  feem 

eafily 
I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S. 


29J 


*ii 


eafily  to  have  found  ambiguous  words,  and  which  are  no 
more  adapted  to  thofe  who  piaife  than  thofe  who  difpraife, 
but  fuch  as  may  be  bent  both  ways,  and  have  many  doubt- 
ful lights.  To  ufe  which,  for  him  who  difputes  about  con- 
tradls  and  properties,  would  be  fhameful,  and  no  fmall  fign 
of  improbity  j  yet  they  fufficiently  agree  with  a  difcourfe 
treating  of  the  nature  of  men,  noble  actions,  and  learning  ; 
fuch  as  is  that  oration  which  has  now  been  recited,  wherein 
you  have  reprefented  your  anceftors  as  pacific,  and  lovers  of 
Greece,  and  the  chief  authors  of  a  juft  admlniftratlon  in  re- 
publics ;  but  have  made  the  Spartans  proud,  martial,  covet- 
ing others  properties,  and  fuch  as  all  have  thought  them. 
Each  of  them  having  fuch  difpofitions,  it  is  probable  that 
the  firft  will  be  praifed,  and  judged  benevolent  to  the  mul- 
titude, and  that  many  will  envy  and  malign  the  others  ;  yet 
that  fome  ftill  will  praife  them,  admire  them,  and  dare  to 
fay,  that  they  are  endowed  with  greater  goods  than  their 
anceftors ;  for  they  will  alTert,  that  pride  has  an  allied  na« 
ture  to  majefty,  which  is  a  laudable  quality,  and  that  per- 
fons  tlndured  with  it,  feem  to  all  more  magnificent  than 
fuch  as  are  authors  of  equality  ;  that  warlike  men  are  far 
more  excellent  than  fuch  as  are  ftudious  of  peace  :  for  thefc 
can  neither  acquire  what  is  not  prefent,  nor  be  ftout  guar- 
dians of  their  pofleiTions  ;  but  that  the  others  can  do  both, 
feize  what  they  defire,  and  preferve  whatever  they  have 
poflefled  themfelves  of:  which  they  do  who  appear  com- 
pleat  men.  But  they  think,  they  have  more  plaufible  words 
to  plead  for  the  defire  of  new  acquifitions  ;  for  as  for  fuch 
as  defraud  in  contracts,  deceive  others,  and  impofe  on  them^ 
they  do  not  judge  them  juft,  but  avaritious  ;  and,  by  gaining 
bad  reputation,  they  are  difappointed  in  all  things.  But 
that  the  defire  of  more  in  the  Spartans,  kings,  and  tyrants, 
is  to  be  wlflied  for,  that  all  would  do  the  fame,  and  none 
reproach  or  execrate  thofe  who  are  endowed  with  fuch  abi- 
lities 5  nor  is  there  any  one  of  fo  abje6t  a  mind,  but  he 
prays  to  the  gods,  that  he  chiefly  may  acquire  fuch  a  power, 
or,  if  not,  his  nearcft  relations.     From  whence  it  is  clear, 

U  3  thati 


294       The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

that,  to  excel  in  this,  we  all  think  the  greatcft  good.     Yoir 
therefore  feem  to  me  to  have  made  your  oration  with  fuch 
a  defign.     But  if  I  thought  you  would  fpare  your  words, 
and  lefmy  difcourfe  pafs  without  a  reprehenfion,  I  would 
Hop  here.     Now,  I  fuppofe,  you  are  not  follicitous  that  I 
have  not  declared  my  opinion  about  what  we  were  called 
here  to  confult  on  j  for  when  you  called  us,  I  could  not 
think  you  adled  ferioufly  in  the  affair ;  but  I  judged  you  had 
refolved  to  compofe  an  oration  unlike  your  former,  which, 
to  negligent  readers,  would  appear  plain  and  eafy,  but  to 
thofe  who  diligently  read  it,  and  endeavoured  to  fee  into 
what  had  efcaped  others,  would  appear  difficult  and  fcarcely 
to  be  underftood  j  full  of  many  hiftories,  and  abounding  in 
all  variety  of  erudition  and  polite  fidion  ;  not  fuch  indeed  as 
would  prejudice  the  citizens,  but  which  would  benefit  the 
hearers,  and  pleafe  them  with  its  urbanity  :  which  you  fhall 
not  fay  I  examine  in  that  light  you  defigned  I  fhould  ;  yet 
when  I  have  (hewn  the  force  of  what  is  faid,  I  do  not  per- 
ceive I  fhall  make  the  oration  fo  much  more  illuftrious,  as 
elucidate  it,  and  make  it  more  clear  to  the  readers  :  for 
while  I  give  knowledge  to  the  ignorant,  I  depreciate  not 
the  oration,  nor  deprive  thofe  who  labour  and  are  induf- 
trious,  of  the  honour  which  might  redound  to  them.     I  ac- 
knowledge my  prudence  to  be  much  inferior  to  yours  ;  but 
tho'  I  know  this,  yet  while  your  city  deliberates  about  the 
greateft  affairs,  fometimes  the  wifeft  err  in  refpedt  of  public 
good  ;  and  of  thofe  who  are  efteemed  mean  and  contemp- 
tible, fome  one  has  fometimes  thought  right,  and  feemed  to 
fpeak  what  was  beft.     Wherefore  it  is  not  to  be  wondered 
at,  if  fomething  of  this  nature  has  happened  in  regard  of 
this  difcourfe,  whereby  you  judge  you  will  become  moft 
famous,  if  you  argue  as  long  as  poffible ;  in  which  difpo- 
fition  you  compofed  this  oration.     But  I  think  you  will 
aa  mofl  wifely,  if  you  make  that  intention,  which  you  had 
in  thecompofition,  evident  to  all  others,  and  to  the  Lace- 
daemonians; of  whom  you  have  fpoken  much,  fometimes 
juftly  and  gravely,  and  fometimes  in  too  reproachful  a  man- 

ner. 


V 


.    I 


of   I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        295 

ncr,  and  liable  to  odium  ;  which  had  any  one  fhewed  them, 
before  I  had  reafoned  on  the  fubje6l,  they  muft  have  hated, 
and  been  of  an  ill-difpofed  mind  to  you,  as  againfl  a  per- 
fon  who  had  written  an  accufation  againft  them.    But  now 
I  judge  the  Spartans  will  continue  in  their  antient  cufiom, 
and  no  more  heed  the  orations  fpoken  here  than  what  is  fard 
beyond  the  pillars  of  Hercules^  but  as  for  the  moft  prudent 
of  them,  who  have  fome  of  your  orations,  and  admire  them 
if  they  get  a  reader,  and  have  leifure,  they  will  be  igno- 
1-ant  of  nothing  that  is  faid  j  but  will  obferve  the  praifes 
'which  are  int^rfperfed  of  their  city,  with  the  enumeration 
of  its  adlions,  and  will  contemn  the  reproaches^  which,  in 
Tegard  of  fad^,  are  fpoken  rafhly,  and  expreiled  with  harfh- 
nefs  j  and  will  think  fome  words  in  your  difcourfe  fuggefted 
by  envy  ;  but  as  for  the  adlions  and  battles,  of  which  they 
are  both  proud  and  rendered  famous  for,  as  for  them,  I 
fay,  that  you  wrote  and  collected  them,  that  they  might  be 
remembered  by  placing  them  one  after  another,  and  in  a 
parallel  light.     You  they  will  think  to  be  the  caufe,  why 
many  will  be  defirous  of  reading  and  perufingthemj  not 
that  they  defire  to  hear  of  their  adlions,   but  that  thojr 
would  know  in  what  manner  you  have  fpoken  of  them. 
Thinking  of  thefe  things,  and  refleding  on  them,  they 
will  not  forget  thefe  antient  anions,  for  which  you  praifed 
their  anceftors,  but  will  often  make  mention  of  them  a- 
mongft  one  another.    How  that  firft,  when  they  were  Do- 
rians, and  faw  their  cities  ignoble,  little,  and  indigent  of 
many  things,  neglecting  them,  they  made  war  againft  the 
chief  cities  of  Peloponnefus,  againft  Argos,  Lacedaemon, 
and  Meffena ;  and,  after  they  had  conquered  the  inhabi-^ 
tants  in  battle,  and  drove  the  conquered  from  their  towns 
and  country,  that  they  now  hold  all  their  poffeiTions ;  a 
greater  and  more  noble  exploit  than  which  none  can  fhew 
in  thofe  times,  nor  an  adion  more  fuccefsful  or  pleafing  to 
the  gods,  than  that  which  freed  thofe  who  undertook  it  from 
their  own  poverty,  and  made  them  lords  of  others  felicity. 
This  they  did  jointly  with   all  their  allies  j    but,   after 

U  4  they 


296        The    ORATIONS 

they  had  parted  the  lands  with  the  Argiv«s  and  Meflenlans, 
and  had   feated  themfelves  apart  in  Sparta,'  you  fay  they 
were  fo  magnanimous  at  that  time,  that,  when  they  were  no 
more  than  two  thoufand,  they  thought  they  were  unworthy 
.of  living,  unlefs  they  became  mafters  of  all  the  towns  in 
iPeloponnefus.     When  they  had  entertained  this  defign,  and 
undertook  it,  they  did  not  lofe  courage,  tho'  furrounded  by 
'many  mlferiei  and  dangers,  till  they  had  fubjeded  them  all 
to  themfelves,  except  the  city  of  Argos.     Having  now.ac- 
cjuired  a  very  fpacious  region,  the  greateft  power,  and  fuch 
glory  as  muft  attend  thofe  who  have  atchieved  fuch  noble 
things,  they  gloried   Ml  no  lefs  in  this,  that  they  had  thus 
jplanitd  themfelves  alone  of  all  the  Greeks,  and  that  thi§ 
affertion  was  peculiar  and  honourable  to  them  only  ;  for  it 
was  lawful  to  them,  they  faid,  to  affirm,  that,  while  they 
_,wefe  fo  few,  they  never  followed  more  populous  cities,  or 
obeyed   their  commands,  but  were  at  their  own  difpofal 
always;  that  they  were  made  the  leaders  in  the  war  againft 
the  Perfians,  of  all  tl^e  Greeks  ;  that  .they  attained  this  ho- 
noui:  not  without  reafon,  but  becaufe,  tho'  they  had  fought 
more  batt'cs  than  any  men  in  thofe  times,  had  never  beea 
conquered  in  any  one  when  their  king  was  general,  but  had 
coipe  off  viiStorLous  in  all :  a  greater  fign  no  one  can  give 
of  bravery,  patience,  an  J  concond  among  one  another,  thaij 
tha^  which  fhall  now  be  mentioned  :  for  tho'  there  be  fueh 
a  number  of  Grecian  cities,  it  is  impoflible  to  find  any  one 
-pf  the  ref^,  which  has  not  fallen  into  the  calamities  incident 
^to  cit;es.    ..But  no  ,pne  can  (hew,  that,  in  the  city  of  the 
Spartans,  unjuft  flaughters  have  been  made,  or  plundering 
of  money  hap;'ened,  or  violation  of  wives  and  children, 
^ay,^  change  of  government,  freeing  from  jufl  debts,  di- 
vifio^  of  land..,  or  any.  other  incurable  evils :  which  wheri 
^hey  r^fledl  on,  it  cannot  be  but  that  they  mufl  remember 
jou,  who  have  colleded  and  difcourfed  fo  elegantly  upon 
^hefe  facts,   and  have  a  great  gratitude  for  it.     I  have  not 
now  the  fame  opinioj^i  of  you  which  I  had  before ;  for,  in 
^praier  times,  I  admired  your  ingenuity,    ^he  order  of' 


,»l- 
".*.. 


^  MM- 


i 


} 


.:j 


your 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S;       297 

your  life,    and  chiefly  your  induflry.     Now,  I  emulate 
your'forit«ne,  and  think  it  h^tppy ;  for  it  feems  to  mc,  that 
you  will  enjoy,  while  hving,  a  glory  not  indeed  greater 
^han  you  deferve  (for  that  would  be  difficult)  but  almoft  (oy 
and  be  more  iliuflrious  than  you  are  at  prefent ;  and  when 
you  are  dead,  you  will  be  a  partaker  of  immortality,  not 
that  of  the  gods,  but  fuch   as  propagates  the  memory  of 
thofe  to  pofterity,  who  haye  excelled  in  any  noble  anions : 
and  this  you  will  juftly  obtain  ;  for  you  have  praifed  both 
cities  elegantly,  as  you  ought;  the  one,' according  to  the 
opinion  of  the  vulgar,  which  none  who  were  iliuflrious  ever 
defpifed,  but,  to  attain  its  honours,  would  undergo' any 
dangers  ;  and  the  other,  according  to  the  opinion  of  thofe 
who  endeavour,  by  conje^Stures,  to  come  at  the  truth  5  to 
be  glorious  amongft  whom  fome  would  rather  chufe  thaa 
amongfi  others,  though  they  were  twice  as  many  as  they 
now  are.     Being  fired  at  this  time  with  incredible  ardor, 
and  having  many  things  to  fay,  both  of  you,  the  cities,  and 
your  oration,  I  will,  notwithflanding,  omit  thefe  topics; 
but  I  will  declare  my  fentiment  of  what  you  aflembled  us 
lor,    I  will  advife  you  neither  to  burn  this  oration,  nor  fup- 
prefs  it ;  but  if  it  has  any  imperfedion,  correding  it,  and 
inferting  all  our  difTertations,  to  communicate  it  to  all  who 
may  be  defirous  of  perufmg  it ;  if  you  would  gratify  the 
befl  of  frhe  Greeks,  and  fuch  as  are  true  philofophers,  and 
who  do  not  pretend  to  be  fo  ;  and  would  afFe61:  thofe  with 
grief,  who  admire   you  more  than  others,    but  cavil  at 
your  orations  in  afTemblies  (in  which  afTemblies,  though, 
there   are  more  who  fleep  than  hear),  and  who  think, 
if  they  can   deceive  fuch  perfons,  their  orations  will  be 
equal  to  thofe  written  by  you :  not  refleding,  that  they 
are  more  inferior  tg  your  orations,  than  thofe  are  to  Ho« 
mer's  glory,  who  have  attempted  to  write  in  the  fame  kind 
of  poetry. 

When  he  had  faid  this,  and  afked  thofe  prefent  to  give 

their  opinion  of  what  they  were  called  about,  they  ufed  no 

ftoify  applaufc,  which  happens  often  in  hearing  elegant  dif- 

%  courfes  ^ 


«fi      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

CMtffcs;  but  they  cried  out,  that  he  had  harangued  admi- 
rably, and,  (landing  round  him,  praifed  him,  admired  him, 
mltfteeaied  him  happy;  and  had  nothing  to  add,  or  take 
horn  his  words,  but  declared  themfelves  of  his  fentiment, 
mod  pcrfuaded  me  to  do  as  he  had  advifed  me :  nay,  I  my- 
fdf  was  not  fiJent,  but  praifed  his  ingenuity  and  ftudies. 
Of  the  reft  I  faid  nothing,  whether  he  had  hit  on  my  de- 
fign,  «r  had  miflaken  it ;  but  I  fufFered  him  to  think  as  he 
VIS  kidined. 

Akd  I  think  I  have  fpokcn  fufficiently  of  what  I  pro- 
poTcd ;  for  it  is  not  proper  to  recapitulate  the  particulars  of 
liich  cwrations :  but  I  will  mention  what  privately  happened 
ip  me  in  this  oration  ;  for  I  began  to  write  it  fo  old  as  I  have 
already  fpoke  of;  but  having  finifhed   the  half,  a  difeafe 
kized  me,  not  proper  to  mention,  but  which  was  capable 
of  deftroying  not  only  old  men  in  three  or  four  days,  but 
thofe  who  are  in  vigour.     With  this  I  ftruggled  three  years, 
while  I  pafTed   each   day  fo  laborioufly,   that  both  they 
who  knew  it,  and  they  who  heard  it  from  others,  more  ad- 
mired me  for  that  patience,  than  for  thofe  things  for  which 
I  was  praifed  before.     When  I  now  defpaired  on  account 
€f  the  diflemper,  and  my  old  age,  fome  of  thofe  who  vi- 
fitcd  me,  and  had  often  read  that  part  of  the  oration  which 
was  written,  begged  of,  and  perfuaded  me,  that  I  would 
not  leave  it  half-finiihed  and  imperfe6l,  but  labour  at  it  a* 
while,  and  apply  myfelf  again  to  what  remained.     They 
did  not  fpeak  this  in  a  flight  perfundory  manner,  but  fo  as 
they  highly  commended  the  writings,  and  faid  thofe  things, 
which  had  any  heard  who  were  not  intimate  with  us,  or 
moved  by  fome  benevolence  (it  could  not  otherwife  have 
happened),  but  fuch  would  have  thought  they  defigned  to 
impofe  on  me,  and  that  I  had  loft  my  fenfes,  and  was  a 
mere  fool,  if  I  believed  them.     Being  in  this  ftate,  as  fome 
perhaps  have  faid  of  me,  I  obeyed  them  (why  fhould  I  make 
more  words  upon  this  fubjed  ?),  when  I  wanted  but  three 
of  being  an  hundred  years  old,  and  was  fo  indifpofed,  that, 
had  another  been  in  fuch  a  bad  flate  of  health,  he  would  have 

been 


smaa 


\ 


I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       299 

been  fo  far  from  writing  an  oration,  that,  had  another  (hewn 
him  one  he  had  written,  he  would  not  have  read  it. 

But  for  what  reafon  have  I  mentioned  this  ?  not  jvfking 
pardon  for  what  I  have  faid ;  nor  do  I  think  I  >2*ive  written 
in  fuch  a  manner :  but  becaufe  I  h^d  a  mind  to  fhew  both 
what  had  happened  to  me,  and  praife  fuch  of  the  hearers 
who  approved  of  this  oration ;  and  I  think  thofe  difcourfes> 
which  teach  and  demonftrate  fome  art,  of  more  value  and 
erudition  than  thofe  which  are  written  for  oftentation,  or 
difputes  in  the  forum,  and  thofe  which  have  in  view  truth, 
better  than  fuch  as  endeavour  to  deceive  the  minds  of  the 
hearers.  Laftly,  thofe  which  reprehend  and  admonifh  the 
culpable,  of  more  worth  than  fuch  as  are  fpoken  to  pleafe 
and  flatter  the  hearers.  And  I  would  advife  thofe  who  think 
the  contrary,  firft,  not  to  truft  to  their  own  opinions,  nor 
judge  thofe  criticifms  true,  which  are  pafTed  by  indolent 
perfons :  in  the  fecond  place,  not  rafhly  to  decide  of  what 
they  do  not  underftand,  but  fufpend  their  judgment,  till  they 
can  afTent  to  thofe  who  have  a  greater  experience  of  fuch 
things  j  if  they  do  this,  there  is  no  one  will  think  they  adl 
impertinently. 


THE 


L 


3»»  J 


r 


THE    THIRTEEN  T!H 


f\ 


RATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES 


ENTITLED, 


Againft  the  SOPHISTS, 


r       I 


[  303  1 


TW/lSEfthin^  fnd  teachers  ^  eloquence ^^dhd 
^K  yphthfo^y  were  at  jir^  in  Athens  Cslkd 
SophiftsB ;  and  this  name^  in  its  genuine  Jignifi^ 
cation^  was  very  honourable^  as  was  that  ofHy- 
rannus,  Jignifying  formerly  a  king.  Both  lojl 
their  m^aming  in.  time^  and  had  a.  quife  differ^ent- 
«(rf-  *  ^hus  it  happened^  thatftkbas  ^^tiere  fuU  of^ 
arrogance  J  and  pretenjion  only  to  Jcience^  were 
called  fophijls  ;  men  wha  made  ajhew  and  boaji-- 
ing  ofjcience  a  trade.  Ifocrates  inveighs  againji 
Juchy  as  grofsly  deceiving  themf elves,  and  others^ 
and  'irringing  true  phihfi^phy  e^  eldqneffC^  inio 
cdium  and  contempt.  There  is  a  fine  pa  [J age  of 
the  force  of  genius^  atid  benefit  of  education. 


/ 


wj 

.-^i 


■V- 


THE    THIRTEENTH 

Oration  of  Iso  crates: 


ENTITLED, 

Againft  the  SOPHISTS. 

IF  all  thofe  who  undertake  inftru£lion,  would  fpeak  the 
truth,  nor  make  greater  promifes  than  they  can  per- 
form, they  would  not  be  accufed  by  the  JlHterafe, 
Now,  thofe  who  inconfiderately  have  dared  to  boaft,  have 
been  the  caufe  that  thofe  men  feem  to  have  rcafoned  better, 
who  indulge  their  indolence,  than  fuch  as  ftudy  philofophy : 
for,firft,who  would  not  deteft  and  defpife  thofe  who  pafs  their 
time  in  fophiftic  chicanery  ?  who  pretend  indeed,  that  they 
feek  truth,  but,  from  the  beginning  of  their  promifes,  la- 
bour to  fpeak  falfities  5  for  I  think  it  manifeft  to  all,  that  the 
faculty  of  foreknowing  future  things  is  above  our  nature : 
nay,  we  are  fo  far  from  fuch  prudence,  that  Homer,  who, 
for  his  wifdom,  has  acquired  the  higheft  fame,  has  fomc- 
times  introduced  gods  in  his  poem,  confulting  about  futu- 
rity ;  not  that  he  knew  the  nature  of  their  minds,  but  that 
he  would  {hew  to  us,  that  this  was  one  of  thofe  things 
which  are  impoflible  for  man.  Thefe  men  are  arrived  at 
that  pitch  of  infolence,  that  they  endeavour  to  perfuadethc 
younger,  that,  if  they  will  be  their  difciples,  they  fhall  know 
what  is  beft  to  be  done,  and  thereby  be  made  happy  ;  and, 
after  they  have  erected  themfelves  into  teachers  of  fuch  fub- 

lime  things,  they  are  not  alhamed  to  alk  of  them  four  or  five 

mina^s ; 

r 


ill 


V 


304       The    O  R  A  T  1  0  N  g 

minaes ;  tho*,  did  they  fell  any  other  po/Teflion  for  mucfe 
lefs  than  its  value,'  they  would  not  hefitate  to  grant  them- 
felves  mad.  fiut  now  expofing  to  fale  all  virtue  and  hap-" 
pinefs  (if  we  will  believe  them),  they  dare  argue,  that, 
as  being  wife  men,  they  ought  to  be  the  preceptors  of 
others  j  yet  they  fay  indeed,  that  they  are  not  indigent 
of  money,  while,  to  diminifh  its  idea,  they  call  it  pitiful 
gold  and  filver ;  tho'  they  require  a  trifling  gain,  and  only 
promife  to  make  thofe  next  to  immoftal,who  will  commence 
their  difciples.  But  what  is  the  abfurdcft  of  all,  is,  that 
they  are  diffident  of  thofe  very  perfons  from  whom  they  are 
to  receive  their  reward,  though  they  themfelvcs  are  to  teach 
themjuftice;  for  they  make  an  agreement,  that  the  money 
fhaH  be  depofited  with  thofe  whom  they  never  taught.  Do- 
ing right  in  regard  of  their  own  fecurity,  but  adding  con- 
trary to  their  own  promifes  :.  for  it  becomes  thofe  who  teacb 
any  other  thing,  by  a  cautious  bargain  to  avoid  controverfy 
(for  nothing  impedes,  but  that  thofe  who  are  ingenious  in 
other  refpedls,  may  not  be  honeft  in  regard  of  contradts)  ; 
yet  how  can  it  be  but  abfurd,  that  they,  who  pretend  to 
teach  virtue  and  temperance  as  an  art,  (hould  not  chiefly 
truft  to  their  own  difciples  ;  for  they  who  are  juft  towards 
other  men,  will  certainly  not  trefpafs  againfi:  thofe,  by  whom 
they  were  made  both  good  and  equitable. 

When  therefore  fome  of  the  unlearned^  confiJerine  all 
thefe  things,  fee  thofe  who  profcfs  teaching;,  wifdom  and  hap» 
pinefs,  indigent  themfelves  of  many  things,  requiring  a 
imairTum  of  their  fcholars,  and  obferving  contradidions  in 
fUly  fentences,  though  they  fee  them  not  in  anions ;  pro--, 
feffing  likewife,  that  they  know  futurity,  yet  not  capable 
of  fpeaking  or  deliberating  properly  of  things  prefent; 
and  that  thofe  are  more  confiftent  with  themfelves,  and 
do  more  things  right  who  follow  common  opinions,  than 
thofe  who  fay  they  are  pofFefled  of  wifdom :  w-hcn  they  fee 
this,  I  fay,  they  think  fuch  difputations  mere  trifles,  a  lof», 
of  time  in  idle  things,  and  not  a  real  improvefnent  of  th6 
human  mind. 


m 


If- 


of    I  S  OCR  A  T  E  S.       30^ 

Nor  is  it  juft  to  blame  thefe  men  only,  but  thofe  like-    /^ 
wife  who  profefs  to  teach  civil  fciencg  to  the  citizens;  for    ^-^ 
they  alfo  difregard  truth;  and  think  it  artful,  if  they  draw 
as  many  as  pofTible,  by  the  fmallnefs  of  the  recompence, 
and  the  greatnefs  of  their  promifes,  and  fo  receive  fome* 
thing  of  them:  and  they  are  foftupid,  and  imagine  others 
fo,  that  tho'  they  write  orations  more  inaccurate  than  fome 
who  are  unlearned  fpeak  extempore,  yet  they  promife  they 
^  will  make  their  difciples  fuch  orators,  that  they  {hall  omit 
nothing  in  the  nature  of  things  ;  nay,  that  they  will  teach 
them  eloquence,  like  grammar ;  not  confidering  the  nature 
of  each,  but  thinking,  that,  on  account  of  the  excellence 
of  their  promifes,  they  will  be  admired,  and  the  ftudy  of 
eloquence  feem  of  higher  value  ;  not  knowing,  that  arts 
render  not  thofe  famous  who  infolently  boaft  of  them,  but 
thofe  who  can  find  out  and  exprefs  whatever  is  in  them. 
But  I  would  purchafe  willingly,  at  a  great  price,  that  phi-     — 
lofophy  could  efFedl  this ;  perhaps  then,  I  fhould  not  be 
left  the  fartheft  behind,  nor  have  the  leaft  fhare  of  its  be- 
nefits :  but  as  the  nature  of  the  thing  is  not  fo,  I  would 
have  thefe  triflers  to  be  filent ;  for  I  fee  reflexions  not  only 
caft  upon  the  faculty,  but  that  all  are  accufed  who  arecon- 
verfant  in  the  fame  ftudies.     I  wonder  when  I  *^fee  thofe  t 
thq^ight  worthy  of  having  fcholars,  who  perceive  not  they 
produce  a  fixed  art,  and  bound  down  by  rules,  for  example,- 
of  that  which  depends  chiefly  on  genius.     Is  there  anyone, 
excepting  them,  who  is  ignorant,  that,  as  for  letters  andc^  0 
grammar,  they  are  unchangeable,  and  the  fame,  and  that  we 
always  ufe  the  fame  words  about  thofe  things ;  but  that  the 
nature  of  eloquence  is  quite  the  contrary :  for  what  has  been 
faid  by  another  is  not  equally  ufeful  to  him  who  fpeaks  af- 
ter;/but  he  is  the  moft  excellent  in  this  art,  who  fpeaks 
worthily  indeed  of  his  fubjedl,  but  alfo  thofe  things  which 
never    were    invented    by   others.^  The    greateft    diffe- 
rence betwixt  thefe  arts  is  this :  it  is  impoffible  oration? 
fhould  be  good,  unlefs  there  be  in  them  an  obfervation  of 
^timc^and^  4^corum  3  but  there  is  no  need  of  this  in  letters. 

X  Where- 


3o6 


r 


\y- 


t 


H 


J 


( 


The    ORATIONS 

Wherefore  thofe  who  ufe  fuch  foreign  examples,  ought  ra- 
ther to  pay  than  receive  money,  becaufe,  wanting  much  in- 
flruction  themfelves,  they  pretend  to  teach  others.     But  if 
I  ought  not  only  to  accufc  others,  but  explain  my  own  fen-r 
timents,  all  wife  men,  I  believe,  will  agree  with  me,  that 
many,  ftudious  of  philofophy,  have  led  ?  private  life ;  but 
that  fomc  others,  tho'  they  never  were  the  fcholars  of  fo- 
phifts,  were  (killed  both  in  eloquence  and  governing  the 
ilate  ;/for  the  faculty  of  eloquence,  and  all  other  ingenui- 
ty, is  ix.nate  in  men,  and  is  the  portion  of  fuch  as  are  exr 
ercifed  by  ufe  and  experience  ;  tho'  inftru^ion  renders  fuch 
more  knowing  in  art,  and  better  qualified  for  life:    fQr 
learning   has   taught  them  to  draw,   as  it  were,  from  a 
ftore,  what  elfe  perhaps  they  would   but  cafually  light  on.^ 
But  as  for  thofe  who  are  of  a  weaker  genius,  it  will  never 
i:ender  them  adroit  pleaders,  or  good  orators ;  but  it  will 
make  them  excel  themfelves,  and  become  more  prudent 
in  many  things.     Since  I  am  advanced  fo  far,  I  will  fpeak 
more  clearly  of  this  topic:  I  fay  then,  it  is  no  difficult  mat- 
ter to  learn  thofe  ioxsis^QL  orders  of  things,  by  which  we 
know  how  to  compofe  orations,  if  any  one  puts  himfelf  un- 
der the  care  not  of  fuch  as  eafily  vaunt  themfelves,  but  fuch 
as  have  the  real  fcience :  but,  in  regard  of  what  relates  to 
particular  things,  which  we  mud  lirft  fee,  and  mix  toge- 
ther, and  difpofe  in  order,  and,  befides,  fiot  lofe  opportu- 
nities, but  vary  the  whole  difcouffe  with  arguments,  and 
ponclude  it  in  a  harmonious  and  mufical  manner :  thefe 
things,  I  fay,  require  great  care,  and  axe  the  province  of  a 
manly  and  wife 'mind  3  and  the  fcholar  muft,  befides  his 
having  necellary  ingenuity,  perfeaiy  inflrud  himfelf  in  the 
different  kinds  of  orations,  and  be  exercifcd  in  the  prac- 
tice :  but  it  becomes  the  mailer  to  explain  all  thefe  as  accu- 
l-ately  as  polTible,  fo  as  to  omit  nothing  which  may  be 
taught.  As  for  the  reft,  Ihew  himfelf  fuch  an  example,  that 
they  who  can  imitate  and  cxprefs  it,  may  be  able  to  fpeak 
in  a  more  beautiful  and  elegant  manner  than  others.     In 
whatever  regard  any  thing  of  what  I  have  mentioned  is 

wanting. 


"■^i 
'^>i 


■-^i 


•1 


■) 


f^ 


m 


•m 


■•!! 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      307 

wanting,  it  muft  follow,  that  his  difciples  will  be  lefs  per- 

And  for  thofe  fophifls  who  have  lately  fprung  up,  and 
fallen  into  this  arrogance,  tho*  numerous  now,  they  will  be 
forced  at  lafl  to  conform  to  my  rules.     Now,  there  remain 
thofe  who  were  born  before  us,  and  have  dared  to  write  of 
^rtsj^notto  be  difmifTed  without  juft  reprch'enfion ;  who 
have  profefied,  that  they  would  teach  how  we  fhould  plead 
,under  an  accufation,  chufmg  out  the  moft  odious  exprdfion 
of  all,  which  their  enviers  ought  to  have  done,  and  not  they 
who  prefide  over  this  iriftitution  ;  fmce  this,  as  far  as  it  can 
be  taught,  c^n  conduce  no  more  to  the  compofing  of  law- 
orations  than  all  others  :  'yet  the  fophifls  are  worfe  than 
thofe  who  grbvel  amidft  contentions,  becaufe,  while  they  re- 
cite fuch  miferable  orations,  as  did  any  one  imitate,  hemuft 
become  unfit  for  all  things,  yet  affirm,  that  virtue  and  tempe- 
rance are  taught  in  them  ;  but  the  latter,  exhorting  to  popu- 
lar orations,  and  negle6ling  the  other  advantages  they  were 
pofTefTed  of,  have  fufFered  themfelves  to  be  efteemed  teach-  ^ 
ers  of  buftling  in  bufmefs,  and  of  gratifying  avarice ;  yet 
they  will  fooner  aififl  thofe  who  will  obey  the  precepts  of 
this  learning,  in  the  habit  of  equity  than  eloquence.^  But 
let  no  one  think,  that  I  imagine  juftice  can  be  taught ;  for 
I  do  not  think  there  is  any  fuch  art  which  can  teach  thofe 
who  are  not  difpofed  by  nature,  either  temperance  or  juftice  j 
^tho*  j_thijikLthe^  ftudy  of  popular  eloquence  heIps_bQth  tp 
acquireand  pr^6life  it.     But  that  I  may  not  feem  toaccufc 
othermens  promTTes,  and  magnify  things  more  than  I  ought, 
I  judge  I  fhall  eafdy  manifeft  to  any  one  by  the  fame  argu- 
ments with  which  I  have  perfuaded  myfelf  that  thefe  things 
are  fo. 


Xa 


THE 


ci) 


tF- 


:^^ 


j^^ 


"St.--. 


:«i- 


h-i' 


THE   FOURTEElJTH 


RA 


1  •  yj 


N 


I 


i.  ' 


I 


OP 


ISOCRATES 


FOR   fHE 


CITY  of  PLATiEA 


i 


X3 


1 3^  i 


The    SUBJECT. 

/  * 

T)LATjEA  was  a  city  of  Bceotia,  memorable 
for  the  defeat  of  Mardonius,  and  the  de- 
firtiSiion  of  the  P erf  arts  ^  which  was  always  more 
inclined  to  the  Atheriians  than  to  the  Thebans. 
The  Platceansy  in  the  time  of  a  general  peace ^ 
having  had  their  city  ruined  by  the  Thebans,  be- 
caufe  they  would  not  contribute  to  their  public  ex- 
pence s,  defire  of  the  Athenians  to  be  reflored.  It 
is  probable  it  was  fpoken  in  a  council  of  the  al- 
lies ^  and  difputes  about  law^  and  is  of  an  ani- 
matedy  vehement  character.  The  Platceans  do 
not  only  contend^  that  an  injury  Ims  been  done 
them^  but  they  prove  their  confant  benevolence  to 
the  Athenians y  and  exclaim  againf  the  treachery 
of  the  Thebans.  In  the  conclufon^  there  is  apro^ 
lix  enumeration  of  their  calamities. 


|S"^i- 


THE    FOURTEENTH 


Oration  of  Isocrates: 


FOR    THE 


CITY  of  PLAT^A* 


ir  TT-  NOWING you, O Athenians!  tobeaccuftomed 
1^  willingly  to  affilt  the  injured,  and  (hew  your  gra- 
M^^  titude  to  benera6lors,  we  are  come  to  intreat  you 
not  to  fuffer  us,  in  t'me  of  peace,  to  be  deftroyed  by  the 
Thebans.  Since  many  have  fled  to  you,  and  obtained  all 
they  defired,  we  think  it  particularly  concerns  you  to  have 
a  great  care  of  our  city ;  for  you  will  find  none  to  have 
fallen  more  unjuflly  than  us  into  calamities,  nor  longer  to 
have  behaved  with  fidelity  towards  your  city.  And,  be- 
fides,  to  intreat  you  about  fuch  things,  in  which  there  is  no 
<!anger,  but  for  which  all  men,  if  you  liften  to  us,  will  e- 
Heem  you  the  moft  religious  and  jufl  of  all  the  Greeks. 
Now,did  we  fee  the  Thebans  alone  ready  toperfuade  you, 
that  they  have  not  trefpafled  againft  us,  We  fhould  finifh  our 
oration  in  few  words ;  but  fince  we  are  come  to  this  point 
of  mifery,  that  we  have  not  a  contention  with  them,  but 
with  the  moft  excellent  orators,  whom  they  have  got  for 
their  patrons  with  our  fubftance,  there  is  a  neceflity  that 
we  fhould  protra£l  our  oration. 

And  it  is  difficult  not  to  fall  (hort  of  what  we  fufFered. 
What  eloquence  can  equal  our  calamities  ?  or  what  oration 

X  4  is 


312        The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

is  fufficient  to  accufe  the  Thebans  for  what  they  have  per- 
petrated againft  us  ?  But  yet  v/e  ought  to  endeavour,  in  the 
beft  manner  we  can,  to  render  their  iniquity  manifeft.  We 
are  particularly  filled  with  indignation  on  this  account,  that 
we  are  fo  far  from  being  judged  worthy  of  equal  law  with 
the  reft  of  the  Grecians,  that  tho'  there  be  peace  and  a  mu- 
tual covenant,  we  not  only  are  not  partakers  of  common 
liberty,  but  are  thought  undeferving  of  moderate  fervitude. 
We  therefore  defire  of  you,  O  Athenians  !  to  hear  us  be- 
nevolently ;  refleding,  that  what  ismoft  unreafonablemuft 
happen  to  us,  if  you  have  been  the  authors  of  liberty  to  the 
Thebans,  who  always  had  a  mind  averfe  to  your  republic; 
and  yet  we,  who  are  your  fupplicants,  cannot  obtain  what 
thofe  have  who  were  your  greateft  enemies. 

And  I  do  not  fee  why  I  need  to  fpeak  more  of  what  has 
been  done.  Is  any  one  ignorant,  that  they  have  divided  our 
lands,  and  deftroyed  our  city  ?  In  refpe^t  of  what  they  mar 
deceive  you  in  by  eloquence,  we  will  endeavour  to  inform 
you.  They  dare  to  fay,  that  they  have  treated  us  in  this 
manner,  becaufe  we  would  not  contribute  to  their  ceremo- 
nial expences.  In  the  flrft  place,  you  ought  to  confidcr 
whether  it  be  juft,  for  fo  fmall  faults,  to  exad  fuch  cruel 
punifhments ;  then,  whether  you  think,  that  the  Plat^ans 
fhould  not,  by  perfuafion,  and  not  by  force,  contribute  in 
this  manner.  I  cannot  conceive  an  idea  of  any  more  au- 
dacious  than  fuch  as  overthrow  cities,  and  will  force  thofe 
who  have  no  need  of  It,  to  be  partakers  of  their  city's^ 
rituals.  And,  befides,  they  do  not  feem  to  have  a6led  to^ 
wards  us  as  they  have  done  towards  others.  It  became 
them,  when  they  could  not  nerfuade  our  city,  to  have  obliged 
us,  as  the  Thcfpians  and  Tanagraci,  only  to  contribute 
to  their  facrifices ;  and,  by  this  means,  nothing  irremedi- 
able would  have  been  our  portion.  But  it  is  now  evident, 
they  did  not  dcfign  this,  but  were  covetous  of  our  country. 
I  wonder,  in  view  of  what  paft  adions,  or  how,  if  they  re- 
gard what  is  juft,  they  can  pretend  to  command  us  fuch 
things.     If  they  look  into  their  country's  cuiloms,  they 

wiii 


) 


""fits.' 

<"  ■"V'!:'-. 


*"■»  "v'Kr '  '♦ 


■-"M 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       31J 

Will  find  they  ought  not  to  command  others,  but  rather  pay 
tribute  to  the  Orchomenians  ;  for  this  was  formerly  their 
condition  :  but  they  would  have  treaties  to  be  facred,  which 
they  certainly  ought.  How  can  they  then  pretend  they  do 
not  a6t  unjuftly  ?  for  thefe  treaties  order,  that  both  great 
and  fmall  cities  fhould  live  by  their  own  lavTs. 

I  JUDGE  they  will  not  dare  to  ad  impudently  in  this  re- 
gard ;  but  will  turn  themfelves  to  that  fubterfuge,  how  wc 
fought  along  with  the  Lacedaemonians ;  and  that,  by  deftroy- 
ing  us,  they  have  done  good  to  the  whole  alliance.  I  think, 
that  no  caufe  or  accufation  fhould  have  more  validity  than 
oaths  and  covenants  :  but  if  it  is  proper  any  fhould  fufFer 
calamities  for  their  fociety  with  the  Lacedaemonians,  the 
Plataeans  are  not  juftly  chofen  out  of  all  the  Grecians ;  for 
we  did  not  by  choice,  but  force,  ferve  them.     Can  any  one 
believe  we  were  arrived  at  fuch  a  pitch  of  frenzy,  that  we 
would  efteem  them  more,  who  had  reduced  our  city  to  a 
ilatc  of  flavery,  than  thofe  who  had  made  us  hce  of  theirs. 
But  I  judge  it  would  have  been  a  difficult  matter  to  have 
attempted  novelties,  when  we  had  fo  fmall  a  city,  and  they 
fo  great  a  power ;  efpecially  when  a  prefident  was  confti- 
tuted,  a  garifon  was  within,  and  the  Thefpians  had  fuch 
forces  y  bjr^whom  we  fhould  as  eafily  have  been  ruined  as 
the  Thebans,  and  more  juftly :  for  it  did  not  become  thefe, 
while  there  was  peace,  to  remember  offences  given  then; 
but  they  having  been  deferted  in  war,  would  have  juftly  ex- 
acted the  greateft  punifiiments  from  us.     I  judge  Jikewife, 
you  are  not  ignorant,  that  many  other  Greeks  were  forced 
to  follow  them  with  their  bodies,  but  were  with  you  by  be- 
nevolence :  and  of  what  difpofition  do  you  judge  they  will 
be,  if  they  hear,  that  the  Thebans  have  perfuaded  the  Athe- 
nians, that  none  ought  to  be  fpared  who  have  been  (uhjeck 
to  the  Lacedaemonians;  for  their  oration  can  tend  to  no- 
thing but  to  prove  this :  for  have  they  not  deftroyed  our 
city,  under  pretence  of  a  new  crime ;  but  fuch  a  one  as 
may  bealledged  to  them?  Concerning  whom  you  ought  to 
confider  and  reflea,  left  the  infolcnce  of  thefe  men  fhould 

reconcile 


314       The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

reconcile  thofe  who  hated  the  empire  of  the  Lacednemoni- 
ans,  and  make  them  believe,  that  their  only  fafety  confilb 
in  their  alliance.  Refledl  alfo,  that  you  undertook  the  laft 
war,  not  for  your  own  or  allies  liberty  (for  you  all  enjoyed 
this)  but  upon  account  of  them,  who,  contrary  to  oaths, 
bad  been  deprived  of  it.  Now,  this  would  be  moft  crueU 
jf  you  fuffered  that  thofe  very  cities,  which  you  thought  it 
tinjuft  fhould  ferve  the  Lacedaemonians,  (hou Id  be  dcftroyed 
by  the  Thebans  j  who  are  fo  far  from  imitating  your  cle- 
mency, that  it  would  be  better  to  fufFcr  what  is  thought 
moft  calamitous^  to  be  taken  by  war,  was  it  by  your  city, 
than  to  be  neighbours  to  them  ;  for  they  indeed,  who  were 
taken  by  you  by  force,  immediately  being  freed  by  thepre- 
fident  from  fervitude,  are  now  partakers  of  their  counfel, 
laws,  and  liberty :  but  as  for  thofe  who  inhabit  near  them, 
fome  of  them  have  no  lefs  hard  a  fervitude  than  bought 
'Haves,  and  they  will  not  defift  to  ill-treat  the  others,  till 
they  have  reduced  them  to  our  condition  ;  yet  they  accufe 
the  Lacedaemonians,  that  they  feized  the  Cadmca,  and  put 
garifons  in  towns;  but  they,  tho'  they  do  not  put  garifons 
in  towns,  overthrow  the  walls  of  fome,  entirely  deftroy 
others,  and  yet  fay,  they  commit  no  injuftice :  nay,  they 
are  advanced  to  that  pitch  of  impudence  and  injuftice,  that 
they  imagine  all  the  allies  fliould  take  care  of  their  fafety, 
but  that  they  themfelves  ftiould  be  the  arbiters  of  others 
flavery.  Now,  who  would  not  deteft  their  ambition,  who 
endeavour  to  lord  it  over  the  weaker,  and  think  it  juft  they 
fliould  be  equalled  with  the  more  powerful.  They  envy 
that  land  given  by  the  Oropians  to  your  city,  and  they  di- 
vide by  violence  that  of  others;  and  they  aflert,  what  is  be- 
yond all  their  other  improbity,  that  they  have  done  this  for 
the  common  good  of  the  allies. 

But  it  would  be  equitable,  fmce  there  is  a  council  here, 
and  vour  city  can  deliberate  more  prudently  than  that  of 
the  Thebans',  that  they  ftiould  have  come  hither  not  to  ex- 
cufe  their  anions,  but  to  have  deliberated  with  you  before 
they  had  perpetrated  any  thing  of  this  nature.     Now,  after 

they 


^.-: 


> 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       315 

they  hp.ve  plundered  us,  they  come  to  make  all  the  allies 
partakers  of  the  crime ;  which,  if  wife,  you  will  avoid  :  for 
it  is  more  reputable  to  force  them  to  imitate  your  religion, 
than  to  let  yourfelves  be  forced  to  be  acceftbry  to  their 
crimes  ;  for  I  think  it  clear  to  all,  that  it  becomes  wife  men 
to  conftder  in  war  by  what  means  they  may  be  fuperior  to 
their  enemies ;  but,  when  peace  is  made,  to  efteem  nothing 
more  than  oaths  and  treaties.  They,  at  that  time,  in  aU 
their  embailies,  pleaded  for  liberty  and  their  laws  ;  but  fmce 
they  have  an  impunity  of  doing  whatever  they  pleafe,  ne- 
gledling  all  other  things,  they  dare  to  plead  for  their  own 
gain,  and  their  own  injuftice;  and  they  fay,  that  it  is  ufe- 
ful  to  the  allies,  that  the  Thebans  ftiould  have  feized  on  our 
fortunes :  little  refledinc;,  that  nothino;  ever  l^enefited  thofe 
who  acquired  it  by  injuftice;  but  that  many,  who  defired 
others  properties  unjuftly,  have  fallen  into  the  greateft  dan- 
gers of  loftng  their  own  pofleftions. 

But  they  cannot  fay,  that  they  have  been  faiehful  to 
their  own  ftde  ;  and  that  there  is  apprehenfion,  left,  if  we 
ftiould  recover  our  own  country,  we  ftiould  defert  to  the 
Lacedaemonians.    You  will  find  us  to  have  been  ruined  for 
the  fake  of  your  friendftiip ;  but  that  they  often  trcfpafted 
againft  your  city ;  and  to  mention  their  antient  treacheries, 
would  be  too  long  and  tedious.     When  the  Corinthian  war 
had  been  raifed  on  account  of  their  injuftice,  and  the  Lace- 
daemonians had  marched  an  army  againft  them,  and  thev 
were  faved  by  you,  they  not  only  were  ungrateful  for  fuch 
benefits,  but,  after  you  had  finiftied  the  war,  deferting  you, 
they  fought  the  confederacy  of  the  Lacedaemonians  :  yet  the 
Chiaiis,  Mitylenaeans,  and  Byzantians,  continued  in  their 
fidelity  ;  but  they  having  fuch  a  city,  would  not  even  re- 
main neuter,  but  were  guilty  of  that  degree  of  cowardice, 
of  improbity  and  madnefs,  that  they  promifed,  by  an  oath, 
they  would  follow  the  Lacedaemonians  againft  you,who  had 
faved  their  city.     For  which  a(?tions  fuffering  punifliment 
from  the  gods,  the  Cadmean  caftle  being  feized,  they  were 
forced  to  fly  hither;  after  which  they  moft  particularly 

ftiewed 


3i6       The    ORATIONS 

Ihcwed  their  perfidy  :  for  again  faved  by  your  means,  and 
reftored  to  their  country,  they  continued  not  the  (horteft 
time  faithful,  but  inunediately  fent  embafiadors  to  Lacedae- 
mon,  (hewing  they  were  ready  to  ferve,  and  change  nothing 
of  what  they  had  promifed.     And  need  I  ufe  a  long  ora- 
tion ?  for  unlefs  the  Lacedaemonians  had  ordered  them  ta 
receive  again  the  banifhed,  and  expel  the  defperatc,  nothing 
would  have  prevented  them  from  joining  an  army  againft 
you  their  benefadlors,  made  of  the  very  perfons  who  had 
injured  them.  And  yet  thefe  very  men,  who  were  lately  fuch 
toward  this  city,  and  formerly  the  betrayers  of  all  Greece, 
thefe  have  been  judged  worthy  of  obtaining  pardon  for  f3 
great  and  voluntary  crimes ;  and  yet  they  think   it  is  not 
equitable  we  fhould  obtain  pardon  for  what  we  were  forced 
to  do :  and  though  they  are  Thebans,  yet  dare  to  objedl  to 
others  a  friendfhip  for  the  Spartans,  whom  we  all  know  to 
have  been  the  longeft  flaves  to  them,  and  to  have  more  vi- 
goroully  carried  on  war  for  their  dominion  than  their  own 
liifety.     For  what  invafion  were  they  abfent  from,  which 
was  made  into  this  territory  ?  or  to  whom  were  they  more 
enemies,  or  hoftilely  difpofed  than  to  you  ?  Were  they  not 
in  the  Decelic  war  authors  of  more  evils  than  all  others  who 
invaded  your  territory  ?    Did  not  they  of  all  the  allies, 
when  you  had  bad  fuccefs,  did  they  not  decree  by  their 
voices,  that  your  city  fhould  be  reduced  to  flavery,  and  the 
country  be  divided  into  convenient  paftures,  as  the  Crifaean 
field  ?    Wherefore,  had  the  Lacedaemonians  had  the  fame 
fentiment  as  they,   nothing  could  have  hindered,  but  that 
you,  who  had  been  authors  of  fafety  to  all  Greece,  muft 
have  been  condemned  to  fervitude  by  thofe  very  Greeks, 
and  fallen  into  the  greateft  calamities.     What  benefadlion 
can  they  pretend,  in  apology,  of  fuch  a  nature  as  to  extin- 
guiih  that  enmity,  which  muft  neccfiarily  be  in  your  minds 
for  thefe  caufes  ? 

Therefore,  thofe  who  have  done  fuch  things,  havo 
no  cxcufe.  This  apology  alone  is  left  for  fuch  as  will  pa- 
tronize them,  that  Boeotia  now  fights  for  your  country  j 

and 


of    ISOCRATES.       317 

and  if  you  difiblve  the  friendfhip  which  fubfifts   betwixt 
you,  you  will  prejudice  the  intereft  of  the  allies ;  for  there 
will  be  a  great  change  of  ballance,  if  this  city  join  itfelf 
with  the  Laccdsemonians.    But  I  neither  think  it  beneficial 
for  the  allies,  that  the  weaker  fhould  ferve  the  ftronger  (nor 
in  former  time  did  we  carry  on  wars  for  any  other  reafons 
but  this)  nor  do  I  think  the  Thebans  will  be  fo  mad,  as  de- 
ferting  your  fociety,  furrender  their  city  to  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians.    I  think  not  fo,  becaufe  I  truft  their  tempers,  but 
that  I  know  one  of  thefe  two  is  necefTary,  that  they  either 
muft  be  flain  in  their  city,  and  fufter  what  they  have  made 
others,  or,  betaking  themfelves  to  flight,  be  in  want,  and 
be  deprived  of  all  hopes :  for  are  they,  or  can  they  be  in 
concord  with  their  citizens  ?  fome  of  which  being  killed^ 
and  others  baniftied,  they  have  rifled  their  fubftance :  or, 
are  they  in  amity  with  the  other  Boeotians  ?  whom  they  not 
only  endeavour  to  command  unjuftly,  but  have  deftroyed 
fome,  and  plundered  the  lands  of  others.     Nay,  they  can- 
not return  to  your  city,  which  they  have  fo  egregioufly  be- 
trayed fo  many  times.     Wherefore  it  can  never  happen, 
that  they  will  become  your  enemies  rafhly  for  the  fake  of 
others,  and  indubitably  lofe  their  own  city;  but,  in  all  their 
adlions,  they  will  behave  themfelves  more  moderately,  and 
will  more  diligently  pay  you  refpecSl,  in  proportion  as  they 
are  fearful  for  themfelves.     They  have  given  you  a  proof 
in  their  behaviour  at  Oropum,  how  you  ought  to  treat  fuch 
tempers.     While  they  thought  they  had  the  power  of  do- 
ing whatever  they  pleafed,  they  did  not  behave  towards  you 
as  allies,  but  trefpafs  as  againft  declared  enemies.     When 
you  had  decreed,  that,  on  account  of  thefe  infults,  they 
fhould  be  excluded  from  the  treaties,  they  came  to  you,  with 
fuch  abjed  minds,  that  they  behaved  themfelves  more  hum- 
bly than  we  do  in  our  prefent  condition.     Wherefore,  if 
any  of  the  orators  fhould  deter  you,  faying,  there  is  dan  - 
ger,  left,  changing,  they  fhould  join  with  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians, you  ought  not  to  believe  them  :  for  they  are  under 
fuch  neceifities,  they  would  fooner  fufFer  your  government 

than 


3i8       The    O  R  AT  I  O  N  S^ 

than  have  the  alliance  of  the  Lacedaemonians :  but  fhoulcj 
they  do  quite  the  contrary,  yet  ftill  I  do  not  think  it  bc-r 
comes  you  to  have  more  value  for  the  Thebans,  than  your 
oaths  and  covenants ;  reflecting  firfl:,  that  it  is  your  cuflom 
not  to  fear  danger,  but  infamy  and  difgrace  ;  and  then,  that 
it  uiually  happens,  that  fuch  conquer  nqt  m  w^ar,  wno  over-: 
"thj'ow  cities  by  vioTenceJbut  tlidre  who  epverh  Greece  In  a 
jl3oreri!jement  and  religious  manner*    And  any  one  may 
prove  tKTs  by  many  examples.     As  for  what  has  happened 
in  our  times,  does  any  one  not  know,  that  the  Lacedxr 
monians  diflblved  your  power,  which  feemed  invincible, 
when  at  £ri\  they  were  but  weakly  prepared  for  a  fea- fight? 
And  by  what  opinion  did  they  draw  over  the  Greeks  ? 
A^ain,  who  does  not  know,  that  you,  in  turn,  fnatched  the 
power  out  of  their  hands,  marching  fiorn  an  unfortified  and 
weak  city,  but  having  juftice,  as  it  were,  for  your  ally? 
That  the  Perfian  king  was  not  author  of  thcfe  changes,  the 
latter  times  have  declared  -,  for  when  Xerxes  had  enough  to 
t!o,  and  your  republic  was  defer  ted,  when  almoft  all  the  ci- 
ties fervcd  the  Lacedaemonians,  you  were  yet  fo  fuperipr  to 
them  in  war,  that  they  willingly  law  a  conclufion  of  peace. 
Let  none  of  you  then  be  afraid,  when  you  fight  upon  the 
iide  of  juiHce  ;  nor  think  he  will  want  allies,  if  he  aflifts. 
the  injured,  and  not  the  Thebans  only ;  whom  if  you  op- 
pofe,  you  will  caufe  many  to  defire  your  friendfhip ;  for  if 
youlhew  yourfclves  equally  ready  to  make  w^ar  againft  all 
for  the  defence  of  the  treaties,  who  will  be  fo  fenfelefs,  as 
to  join  rather  with  thofe  who  have  opprefTed  Greece  by  fla-. 
very,  than  with  you  who  fight  for  liberty  ?   But  fliould 
you  not  be  of  this  mind,  with  what  arguments,  fhould  a  war 
again  happen,  would  you  perfuade  the  Greeks,   if,  while 
you  pretend  liberty,  you  fuffer  any  cities  to  be  laid  walle  by 
the  Thebans  ?    How  can  you  avoid  contradi6ling  your- 
fclves, if  you  do  not  refift  the  Thebans  in  violating  their 
leagues,  '^nd  declare  you  make  war  with  the  Lacedaemo- 
uians  on  thl^  account  ?  and  if  you  have  receded  from  large 
pofl'diions,  -o  mak^  the  alliance  as  great  as  pofTible,  yet 

fuffer 


I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       319 

fufFer  thefe  to  enjoy  what  belongs  to  others,  and  do  al* 
thofe  things,  for  which  all  will  think  you  the  meaner.   But 
this  would  be  the  abfurdcft  of  all,  if  you  fhould  judge  it  pro- 
per to  be  auxiliaries  to  thofe  who  have  always  been  moft 
friendly  to  the  Lacedaemonians,  if  thefe  command  them  to 
do  any  thing  contrary  to  the  covenants ;  and  fuffer  us,  who 
have  perfevefed  your  friends  for  the  longeft  fpace  of  time, 
pnly  for  being  forced  in  the  laft  war  to  obey  the  Lacedae- 
monians, to  be  exterminated  from  amongft  men.     Who 
can  be  found  more  miferable  than  we,  who  were  deprived  In 
one  day  of  our  city,  our  lands  and  fubftance,  equally  dcfti- 
tute  of  all  neceffary  things ;  who  are  become  wanderers, 
not  knowing  whither  to  turn  ourfelves  ?    Driven  from  our 
country,  filled  with  defpair,  and  like  vagabonds  who  wan- 
der over  Greece,  and  fee  all  habitations  with  uneafinefs :  if 
we  find  others  miferable,  we  grieve  to  find  ourfelves,  be- 
fides  our  other  calamities,  affociated  with  them  in  mifery  j 
or,  if  we  approach  the  profperous,  we  grieve  the  more,  not 
becaufe  we  envy  their  happinefs, '  but  becaufe  we  fee  more 
clearly  our  own  mifery  in  the  light  of  our  neighbours  feli- 
city.    For  which  reafons,  we  pafs  no  day  without  tears,  but 
continue  to  lament  our  country,  and  this  change  which  has 
been  made  in  it.     What,  can  you  think,  muff  be  the  fitu-  - 
ation  of  our  minds,  when  wx  fee  our  parents  nouriflied  in" 
an  unworthy  manner  in  their  old  age,  and  our  children  not 
educated  with  the  fame  hopes  that  they  were  begotten;  but 
many  of  them  ferving  for  petty  falaries,  others  employed 
in  low  offices,  and  others  getting  their  daily  livelihood  ia 
the  beft  manner  they  can  ;  which  is  unworthy  of  the  acti- 
ons of  our  anceftors,  and  of  our  own  magnanimity.     But 
this  is  the  moft  cruel  of  all ;  to  fee  not  only  citizens  fe- 
parated  from  citizens,  but  wives  from  hufbands,  children 
from  parents,  and  all  relationfhip  diffolved ;  which  has  hap- 
pened to  many  of  our  citizens  on  account  of  poverty :  for 
f:ommon  fuftenance  being  wanting,  makes  every  one  look 
to  private  hope.     I  cannot  fuppofe  you  ignorant  of  the 
gther  difgraces   which    attend  poverty  and  banifhment; 

which 


The    ORATIONS 

which  we  bear  with  more  difficulty  than  our  other  dii^ 
trefles,  but  omit  to  exprcfs  them,  becaufe  we  are  alhamcd 
to  look  into  our  calamities. 

Which  you  perceiving,  we  implore  you  to  have  fome 
Compaflion  on  us  j  for  we  are  not  aliens  to  you,  but  all 
related  by  benevolence,  and  moft  by  affinity :  for,  by  the 
pcrmiffion  of  mutual  marriages,  we  were  born  of  women 
who  were  your  citizens.     Wherefore  you  ought  not  to 
flight  the  petition  we  come  to  make  ;  for  certainly  it  would 
be  inexprefTibly  cruel,  if  you  made  us  formerly  free  of  your 
city,  and  now  judge  us  unworthy  of  being  reflored  to  our 
own.     Befides,  it  is  not  equitable  to  pity  particulars,  who 
fuffer  injuftice,  and  not  allow  a  fmall  portion  of  pity  to  a 
whole  city  unjuftly  ruined  3  efpecially  that  which  flies  to 
you  for  refuge,  to  whom  it  was  formerly  no  difgrace,  but 
glory,  to  have  pity  on  fupplicants :  for  when  the  Argivcs 
came  to  your  forefathers,  and  prayed,  that  they  might  carry 
ofFthofe  who  had  fallen  under  theCadmaea,  your  fathers 
being  perfuaded  by  them,  forced  the  Thebans  to  more  equi- 
table counfels,  and  were  thereby  not  only  famous  in  thofc 
times,  but  left  immortal  glory  for  their  pofterity  to  all  fu- 
turity ;  of  which  it  does  not  become  you  to  be  the  betray- 
ers :  for  it  would  be  a  fhame  for  you  to  glory  in  the  adlions 
«^f  your  fathers,  and  openly  a£l  the  contrary  to  them  in  re- 
gard of  fupplicants.     But  we  arc  come  hither  to  plead  for 
things  more  equitable,  and  of  far  greater  moment.     They 
made  fupplication  to  you,  after  they  had  led  an  army  upon 
others  territories  j  but  we,  after  ha\  ing  loit  our  own  coun- 
try:  and  they  implored  you  to  fuccour  them  in  burying  the 
dead ;  but  we,  to  fave  the  remainder  of  our  unhappy  citi- 
zens.    Now,  the  calamity  is  not  equal  or  alike,  for  the 
dead  to  be  denied  burial,  and  the  living  to  be  deprived  of 
their  country,  and  all  their  fortunes ;  for  the  firft  is  more 
difgraceful  to  thofe  who  forbid  it,  than  to  thofe  who  fufFeip 
the  inhumanity  :  but  to  have  no  refuge,  but  to  be  deprived 
of  our  city,  to  be  afflicted  every  day,  and  be  forced  to  ne- 
gleft  our  fellow-citizens,  v/hcn  we  cannot  aifift  them ;  I 

.fav. 


1; 


of    I  S  O  C  Pv  A  T  E  S.      321 

fay,  to  fufFer  this,  why  needj  enumerate  how  far  fuch  a  ^i^^"^ 
J^  L  calamity  exceeds  all  others. .  Wherefore,  we  implore,  we  ^ 
humbly  beg  of  you  all,  to  reftore  us  to  our  country  ar.d 
city,  by  admoniihing  your  old  men  to  confidcr  men  of  their 
years  miferable,  and  deftitute  of  necefTary  daily  food ;  by 
entreating  of,  and  praying  your  young  men,  that  they  will 
allift  their  equals,  nor  let  them  fufFer  more  than  has  even 
been  already  mentioned.  You  owe,  as  it  were,  to  us  a- 
lone  of  all  the  Greeks,  this  chiefly,  to  afford  us  fuccour; 
for  it  is  faid,  our  anceftors,  when  your  forefathers  had 
abandoned  this  country  in  the  Perfian  war,  were  the  only 
perfons  of  all  who  inhabited  out  of  the  Peloponnefus^  who 
were  partakers  with  them  of  the  dangers,  and,  together  with 
them,  faved  this  city.  Wherefore  we  ihall  juftly  receive 
again  the  benefit  which  we  firll  conferred  on  you. 

But  fhould  you  have  decreed  not  to  regard  our  perfons, 
yet  it  does  not  become  you  to  let  our  country  be  defolated, 
i^  which  are  left  the  greateft  monuments  both  of  your  va- 
lour, and  of  others  who  fought  with  you :  for  other  tro- 
phies have  been  ereded  by  one  city  over  another ;  but  thefe 
were  built  for  the  conqueit  of  all  Greece  over  the  colleded 
powers  of  Afia,  which  the  Thebans  will  juflly  deilroy ;  for 
thefe  monumentb  are  their  difgrace,  and  which,  for  that 
reafon,  you  ought  to  prelerve  :  for  you  were  made,  on 
their  account,  leaders  of  Greece.  You  mufti  ike  wile  make" 
account  ot  your  anceilors,  nor  deiiy  them  the  piety  due  to 
their  merits  j    thinking  what  lentiment  they  would  have 
(it  there  be  any  fecic  leit  m  the  internal  regions  of  what  is 
done  nere)  mould  they  know,  that,  after  you  were  confti- 
tuted  arbittib,  thole  who  refufed  net  to  {&x\^  the  Barba- 
rians, are  become  the  mailers  of  other  Greeks  \  and  that 
we,  wiio  fought  along  with  you,  are  the  only  Greeks  who 
are  defolated  j  and  that  the  monuments  of  fuch  as  faced 
thofe  dangers,  have  not  their  annual  funereal  rites,  for  the 
want  of  perfons  to  perform  them.     Remember,  that  you 
particularly  accufed  the  Lacedsemonians  for  this,  that,  gra- 
tifying the  Thebans,  who  were  the  betrayers  of  Greece, 

Y  they 


322      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S,  &c.     . 

they  had  deftroyed  its  benefadlors.  Let  not,  then,  this  re- 
proach be  retorted  on  your  city,  nor  prefer  their  infolence 
to  your  glory.  Tho'  many  arguments  remain,  whereby 
you  might  be  excited  to  have  regard  for  our  fafety,  I  can- 
not comprehend  them  all  in  a  fhort  oration  j  but  you  ought 
yourfelves,  refledling  on  what  is  omitted,  and  particularly 
remembering  your  oath  and  covenant,  and  then  our  bencr 
volence  and  their  enmity,  decree  us  juftice. 


THE    FIFTEENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


■FT 


ISO  CRATES: 


THE 


ENTITLED, 


On  the  Exchange  of  Eftates. 


■am  : 
''sf- 

if' 


t*"! 


Va 


VV=5S' 


[  325  ] 


The     SUBJECT. 

/        J  SOCRATES  had  acquired  confiderable 
'     ^^^ rlchefr^nT^g^^^^^  hj  injlruhing  the 

youl:g  nohutiy  in  literature  and  elogue?Jce ;  buf 
he  could  not  aroid  envy  ytjjc  Jure,  attendant  of  dif- 
^tingutpxdmritT  They  therefore  afperfed  hiniy 
^S'  corrupting  the  morals  of  the  youth  he  taught 
ivithfalfe  principles,  and  to  have  heaped  up  mo- 
ney by  teaching  of  fallacy  ;  as  if  true  eloquence 
ivas  net  the  clear efi  and  heft  reajoning.  His  ene^ 
7nies  thus  hoped  to  do  him  a  prejudice.  There 
,  Hsoas  (as  Libanius  fays)  fiich  a  law  at  Athens  : 
Three  hundred  of  the  ?noJl  opulent  citizens  were 
to  be  what  they  called  Trierarchi,  who  were  to 
build,  at  their  own  expences,  gallic s  for  the  de- 
fence of  their  country.  But  if  any  one  pleaded 
inability  of  bearing  fuch  an  expence,  he  was  ex- 
cufedy  could  he  prove  another  richer  than  himfelf: 
if  fuch  an  one  refufed,  he  was  obliged  to  change 
his  eflate  with  the  other :  and  this  kind  of  aSiion 
or  caufe  was  called  permutation,  or  exchange  of 
fortunes.  By  this  mea?is  our  author  was  jorced 
to  pay  thisfnp-money ;  which  did  not  grieve  him 
fo  much  as  to  fee  himfelf  expofed  to  fuch  furious 
envy  of  his  citizens.  There  are  noble  pafjages 
in  it,  and  the  whole  oration  is  mojl  worthy  to  be 
read  with  the  great  efi  attention.  Nothing  can 
he  fircnger  painting  of  the  manners  of  the  great 
andfmallvidgar^  as  Cowley  poetically  files  them. 


■A. 


THE    FIFTEENTH 

Oration  oFIsocrates: 


ENTITLED, 


On  the  Exchange  of  Eftates* 


IF  this  oration,  which  Is  now  to  be  recited^  was  like  to 
thofe  which  are  written  for  the  forum  and  oftentation, 
there  would  be  no  reafon  for  making  a  preface  to  it. 
Now,  upon  account  of  its  novelty  and  diverfity,  there  is  a 
necelTity  that  I  fhould  explain  the  reafons,  for  which  I  have 
chofe  to  write  it  in  fo  different  a  manner.  If  this  was  not 
known,  it  would  perhaps  appear  abfurd  to  many.  Tho'  I 
know  many  of  the  fophifls  calumniate  my  ftudies,  and  fay 
they  are  all  employed  in  writing  popuhir  orations  (and  this 
they  do  juft  as  wifely  as  if  any  one  fhould  call  Phidias,  who 
carved  the  ftatue  of  Minerva,  a  maker  of  poppets,  or  com- 
pare Zeuxis  and  Parrhafius  with  fuch  as  paint  figns)  yet  I 
would  never  h^ve  revenged  their  depreciating  me  in  this  man- 
ner, becaufe  I  fhould  judge  their  trifles  were  of  no  moment, 
and  that  I  had  made  this  manifefl  to  all,  that  I  laid  down  in- 
flitutes,  have  fpoken  and  written,  not  about  private  con- 
tuacts,  but  of  fo  great  and  of  fuch  things  as  none  before 
have  attempted,  befides  thofe  who  were  my  difciples,  or 
fuch  as  would  imitate  them.  For,  upon  account  of  my 
advanced  age,  I  thought,  for  the  fake  of  my  profeflion, 
and  likewife  my  never  having  meddled  with  other  bufmefs, 
I  had  the  friendfhip  of  my  fellow-citizens  i  but  now,  when 

Y  3  the 


326       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

the  conclufion  of  my  life  approaches,  an  exchange  of 
cftates  being  propofed,  and  a  difpute  being  founded  on  it,  1 
have  perceived  fome  of  them  not  fo  difpofed  towards  me  as 
I  expe6ied ;  and  others  much  deceived  about  my  ftudies* 
and  inclining  to  believe  whatever  is  faid  againft  me ;  and 
others  indeed,  to  know  fufficiently  in  what  Oodles  I  am 
converfant,  but  yet  to  envy  me,  and  be  of  the  fame  tem- 
per as  the  fophifts,  and  to  take  pleafure  in  thofe  who  have 
a  falfe  opinion  of  me.  They  have  declared  themfelves  of 
this  mind ;  for  when  my  adverfary  objected  nothing  equi- 
table about  what  was  to  be  decided,  but  calumniated  the 
power  of  my  orations,  and  fpoke,  in  an  oftentatious  man- 
ner, many  things  of  my  wealth,  and  the  multitude  of  my 
difciples,  they  decreed  I  fliould  perform  this  office.  And 
we  fo  bore  the  expence,  as  it  becomes  thofe  who  are  nei- 
ther too  much  ftruck  with  things  of  this  nature,  nor  too 
prodigal  and  negligent  of  money.  When  I  had  found,  as 
I  have  faid,  that  there  were  more  than  I  thought,  who  en- 
tertained unkind  fentiments  of  me,  I  refledled  by  what 
means  I  might  fhew  to  them,  and  pofterity,  my  habitual 
manners,  the  life  that  I  lead,  and  the  nature  of  the  learn- 
ing which  I  profefs  ;  nor  fuffer  myfelf,  by  negligence,  to 
be  condemned  without  a  hearing  of  the  caufe,  nor  let  it  be 
in  the  power  of  calumniators,  as  it  has  hitherto  happened. 
When  I  had  confidered  this,  I  found  I  could  not  finifh  it 
by  any  other  method,  than  by  writing  an  oration,  which 
might  ferve  as  a  pidlure  of  my  mind,  and  all  my  a^lions. 
By  this  I  hoped,  that  whatever  belongs  to  me,  would  be 
more  honourably  known  than  by  any  monument  in  brafs. 
But  if  I  (hould  endeavour  to  praife  myfelf,  I  forefaw  I  could 
not  comprehend  all  thofe  things  I  defigned  to  difcourfe  of; 
nor  be  able  to  fpeak  with  favour,  and  without  envy.  But 
if  I  fuppofed  a  judgment  and  danger,  and  he  that  accufed 
me,  a  fycophant  ufmg  thofe  arguments  which  were  brought 
againft  me  in  the  trial  of  the  exchange  of  eftates,  and  my- 
felf pleading  in  appearance  of  defence,  by  this  means  I 
thought  I  fliould  have  an  opportunity  of  difputing  about 

whatever 


i? 


§ 


/ 


'^ 


l.„f.$,'r'-»e 


of    ISOCRATES.         327 

whatever  I  pleafed.  While  I  was  thinking  in  this  manner, 
I  wrote  this  oration  not  in  my  vigour,  but  when  I  was  in 
the  eighty-fecond  year  of  my  age.  Wherefore,  it  is  but 
juft^nhould-.be-pardonedj  if  it  appears  weaker  tiban  thofe 
oration^^wJhich  I  have. hitherto  publilhed.  Nor  was  this 
difcourfe  eafy,  or  of  a  fimple  nature^  but  fuch  as  Required 
much  care  and  labour  ;  for  fome  of  thefe  things  which  are 
written  in  it,  are  proper  to  be  faid  in  court,  fome  are  not 
proper  for  fuch  difputes,  but  are  fpokeh  freely  of  philofo- 
phy,  and  explain  its  excellency.  There  is  fomething  like- 
wife,  which  may  benefit  thofe  youths  who  love  difcipline 
and  erudition,  if  they  lifteri  to  it;  Many  things  likewifc 
of  what  I  faid  before  are  inferted,  not  rajQily  or  unfeafon- 
ably,  but  as  far  as  correfponded  with  my  defign.  Nov^v 
it  was  not  a  fmall  labour  to  have  in  one  view  the  prolixity 
of  fuch  a  difcourfe^  to  join  together  fo  many  and  different 
forms,  to  unite  what  follows  with  what  went  before  and 
make  all  confiftent  with  itfelf :  yet  I  did  not  defift,  tho*T 
was  of  this  age,  until  I  had  finiflied  it,  and  fpoke,  at  leaft 
with  truth,  butj  in  other  refpeds,  as  it  ihall  appear  to 
the  hearers.  Now,  it  becomes  thofe  who  read  it  over  to 
attend  to  it,  as  if  it  was  a  mixed  oration,  and  written 
for  all  thefe  fubjeds ;  and  then  fix  their  thoughts  rather 
on  what  ought  to  be  faid,  than  on  what  has  already  been 
fpoken  by  me.  Befides,  not  to  be  eager  to  run  it  aJI  over  at 
once,  but  fuch  a  part  of  it  as  is  not  incommodious  to  the 
hearers.  If  you  obferve  this,  you  will  more  eafily  per- 
ceive if  I  fpeak  in  any  degree  worthily  of  myfdf.  This 
was  what  I  judged  neceflary  by  way  of  preface.  --^•^- 

Now  read  the  defence,  which  is  written  as  a  defence  \n 
judgment,  but  with  defign  to  explain  the  truth,  and  make 
the  ignorant  know  better,  and  thofe  who  envy  me,  be  tor- 
mented more  than  ever  with  the  fame  diftemper.  I  cannot 
exaa  a  greater  punifhment  from  them.  But  I  judge  thofe 
the  worft  of  all,  and  worthy  of  the  greateft  punifhmcnt, 
who  dare  to  accufe  others  of  the  very  faults  which  they  are 
guilty  of  themfelves ;  which  Lyfimachus  ha^  done :  for  hey 

V4  ia 


32^      The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

in  his  written  difcourfe,  makes  more  words  about  my  ofn-» 
tions  than  about  all  other  things;  a(fling  juft  in  fuch  a  man- 
ner, as  if,  while  a  perfon  accufes  another  of  facrilcge,  he 
fhould  be  found  to  have  what  beloncred  to  the  o-ods  in  his 
own  hands.  I  fhould  heartily  wi(h  he  thought  me  {o 
powerful  in  eloquence,  as  he  has  pretended  to  you  :  he 
would  then  have  never  given  me  trouble.  Now,  he  fays, 
y,  I  am  capable  of  making  inferior  caufes  feem  the  better  ; 
and  yet  fo  far  has  defpifed  mc,  that  he  hopes  he  can  over- 
come me,  tho'  I  fpeak  the  truth.  And  all  things  have  hap- 
pened to  me  fo  unfortunately,  that  others  indeed  refute  ca- 
lumnies by  their  orations  ;  but  Lyfimachus  has  made  mine 
the  fubje<5t  of  his  accufation  :  with  this  defign,  that,  if  I 
feem  to  you  to  fpeak  accurately  enough,  I  may  be  judged 
guilty  of  what  has  been  faid  by  him  of  my  dexterity.  But 
if  I  fhould  fpeak  worfe  than  he  has  made  you  expedl  from 
me, that  then  you  may  judge  my  adlions  flill  liable  to  more 
blame.  XI  therefore  defire  of  you  neither  to  believe  or  dif- 
believe  thofe  things  which  have  been  fpoken,  until  you  have 
confidered  what  I  fhall  fay  to  the  conciufion  ;  refledling,  it 
would  not  be  necefTary  that  the  accufed  fhould  have  liberty 
of  felf-defence,  if  what  is  jufl  could  be  determined  from 
the  accufer's  oration.  Now,  whether  there  be,  or  not  be, 
any  one  who  is  prefent  at  this  judgment,  with  an  accufa- 
tory  or  malicious  intention,  none  fhall  be  left  in  igno- 
rance. But  if  he  fpeaks  the  truth,  yet  it  is  no  eafy  matter 
for  the  judges  themfelves  to  determine  from  what  he  has  faid 
in  the  firfl  place :  and  we  ought  to  be  contented,  if  they 
can  attain  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  and  equity  by  both  our 
orations^  Now,  I  wonder  not  at  thofe,  who  dwell  Jonger 
(  on  the  accufation  of  deceivers,  than  on  the  defence  of  them- 
felves ;  nor  at  thofe,  who  fay  calumny  is  one  of  the  greatefl 
evils ;  for  what  can  be  imagined  more  malicious  than  it  ? 
which  makes  thofe  who  lye  appear  illuflrious,  thofe  who 
have  done  no  injuflice  feem  injurious,  and  the  judges  for* 
fwear  themfelves ;  which,  by  introducing  a  falfe  opinion 
into  the  minds  of  the  hearers,  abfolutely  extinguifhes  all 

ti-uth. 


hi: 


of    1  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       329 

truth,  and  deflroys  unjuflly  the  citizen  it  falls  on.  In  which 
refpCvSb  it  concerns  you  to  take  care,  that  nothing  of  this  na- 
ture happens  to  you,  or  you  yourfelves  be  guilty  of  what 
you  obje£l:  to  others.  I  judge  you  are  not  ignorant,  that 
our  city  has  oftentimes  before  repented  of  judgments  which 
have  been  pafTed  out;  of  anger,  and  not  after  a  due  exami- 
nation :  fo  that,  no  long  time  intervening,  it  defired  to  take 
vengeance  on  fuch  as  deceived  it,  and  wifhed  the  accufed  to 
live  better  than  before.  Remembering  which,  vou  ought 
not  ralhly  to  believe  the  accufers  words,  nor  hear,  with  tu- 
mult and  cruelty,  thofe  who  defend  themfelves  ;J  for  it 
would  be  a  fhame  vou  fhould  be  efleemed  the  mofl  cle- 
ment  in  other  regards,  and  mcft  merciful  of  all  the  Greeks ; 
and  yet,  in  judgment  here,  acl  openly  in  contradiction  \.o 
this  opinion;  and  that  tho',  amongfl  fome  others,  an  ad- 
vamage  in  Bdlots  is  given  to  the  accufed,  yet,  among  you, 
fuch  as  are  brought  into  danger,  fhould  not  be  on  an  equal 
footing  with  calumniators  ;  but  that  you  fhould  fwear  yearly 
to  hear  with  impartiality  both  the  accufers  and  accufed,  and 
yet  be  fo  far  from  this  equity  in  actions,  as  to  approvewhat 
accufers  fay,  but  not  even  tolerate  the  voice  of  thofe  who 
endeavour  to  confute  them,  fo  long  till  you  can  hear  them 
out ;  and  think  thofe  cities  not  fit  to  be  inhabited,  wherein 
fome  citizens  are  put  to  death  without  the  liberty  of  plead- 
ing, but  be  ignorant  that  they  do  the  fame  thing,  who  do 
not  a(ro);d  both  contending  parties  in  law  the  fame  benevo- 
lence^ •  But  this  is  the  molt  iniquitous  of  all,  that  every  one 
thinks,  if  he  is  brought  into  danger,  it  is  jufl  to  accufe 
his  calumniators;  but  when  he  is  to  give  fcntence  in  law 
in  regard  of  another,  has  not  ^le  fame  opinion  about 
thefe  men.  But  it  becomes  thofe  who  are  prudent,  to  be 
fuch  judges  towards" otiiers,  as  they  v/ould  defire  others  to 
Dem^  their  ov/n  cafe ;  refleding,  that,  on  account  of  ca* 
Jiu2iiniators,jt  rs3^^^^^  who,  by  being  brought 

into  danger,  will  be  obliged  next  to  plead  the  fame  things 
which  I  do,  before  thofe  who  are  to  pafs  their  fentences  on 
him :  for  no  one,  by  reafon  of  his  having  lived  a  good  and 

moderate 


328      The    ORATIONS 

in  his  written  difcourfe,  makes  more  words  about  my  or:t-» 
tions  than  about  all  other  things;  afling  juft  in  fuch  a  man- 
ner, as  if,  while  a  perfon  accufes  another  of  facrilcge,  he 
Ihould  be  found  to  have  what  beloncred  to  the  sods  in  his 
own  hands.  I  ihould  heartily  wiih  he  thought  me  fa 
powerful  in  eloquence,  as  he  has  pretended  to  you  :  he 
would  then  have  never  given  me  trouble.  Now,  he  fays, 
Y  I  am  capable  of  making  inferior  caufes  feem  the  better  ; 
and  yet  fo  far  has  defpifed  me,  that  he  hopes  he  can  over- 
come me,  tho'  I  fpcak  the  truth.  And  all  things  havehap- 
pened  to  me  fo  unfortunately,  that  others  indeed  refute  ca- 
lumnies by  their  orations  ;  but  Lyfimachus  has  made  mine 
the  fubje<5t  of  his  accufation  :  with  this  defign,  that,  if  I 
{com  to  you  to  fpeak  accurately  enough,  I  may  be  judged 
guilty  of  what  has  been  faid  by  him  of  my  dexterity.  But 
if  I  {hould  fpeak  worfe  than  he  has  made  you  expe6l  from 
me, that  then  you  may  judge  my  adlions  ftill  liable  to  more 
blame.  XI  therefore  defire  of  you  neither  to  believe  or  dif- 
believe  thofe  things  which  have  been  fpoken,  until  you  have 
confidered  what  I  fhall  fay  to  the  conclufion  ;  refledling,  it 
would  not  be  necefTary  that  the  accufed  fhould  have  liberty 
of  felf-defence,  if  what  is  juft  could  be  determined  from 
the  accufer's  oration.  Now,  whether  there  be,  or  not  be, 
any  one  who  is  prefent  at  this  judgment,  with  an  accufa- 
tory  or  malicious  intention,  none  fhall  be  left  in  igno- 
rance. But  if  he  fpeaks  the  truth,  yet  it  is  no  eafy  matter 
for  the  judges  themfelves  to  determine  from  what  he  has  faid 
in  the  firft  place  :  and  we  ought  to  be  contented,  if  they 
can  attain  a  knowledge  of  the  truth  and  equity  by  both  our 
orations^  Now,  I  wonder  not  at  thofe,  who  dwell  Jonger 
on  the  accufation  of  deceivers,  than  on  the  defence  of  them- 
felves ;  nor  at  thofe,  who  fay  calumny  is  one  of  the  greateft 
evils ;  for  what  can  be  imagined  more  malicious  than  it  ? 
which  makes  thofe  who  lye  appear  illuftrious,  thofe  who 
have  done  no  injuftice  feem  injurious,  and  the  judges  for* 
fwear  themfelves  j  which,  by  introducing  a  faife  opinion 
into  the  minds  of  the  hearers,  abfolutely  extinguifhes  all 

d-uth. 


n* 


of    1  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       329 

truth,  and  deftroys  unjuftly  the  citizen  it  falls  on.  In  which 
refpei^b  it  concerns  you  to  take  care,  that  nothing  of  this  na- 
ture happens  to  you,  or  you  yourfelves  be  guilty  of  what 
you  obje6t  to  others.     I  judge  you  are  not  ignorant,  that 
our  city  has  oftentimes  before  repented  of  judgments  which 
have  been  parted  out^  of  anger,  and  not  after  a  due  exami- 
nation :  fo  that,  no  long  time  intervening,  it  defired  to  take 
vengeance  on  fuch  as  deceived  it,  and  wifhed  the  accufed  to 
live  better  than  before.     Remembering  which,  vou  ou2:ht 
not  rafhly  to  believe  the  accufers  words,  nor  hear,  with  tu- 
mult and  cruelty,   thofe  who  defend  themfelves  ;J  for  it 
would  be  a  fhame  you  fhould  be  efteemed  the  moft  cle- 
ment in  other  regards,  and  mcft  merciful  of  all  the  Greeks ; 
and  yet,  in  judgment  here,  acl  openly  in  contradiction  to 
this  opinion ;  and  that  tho',  amongft  fome  others,  an  ad^ 
vantage  in  ballots  is  given  to  the  accufed,  yet,  among  you, 
fuch  as  are  brought  into  danger,  (hculd  not  be  on  an  equal 
footing  w^ith  calumniators  ;  but  that  you  (liould  fwear  yearly 
to  hear  with  impartiality  both  the  accufers  and  accufed,  and 
yet  be  fo  far  from  this  equity  in  actions,  as  to  approvewhat 
accufers  fay,  but  not  even  tolerate  the  voice  of  thofe  who 
endeavour  to  confute  them,  fo  long  till  you  can  hear  them 
out ;  and  think  thofe  cities  not  fit  to  be  inhabited,  wherein 
fome  citizens  are  put  to  death  without  the  liberty  of  plead- 
ing, but  be  ignorant  that  they  do  the  fame  thing,  who  do 
not  a(roj;d  both  contending  parties  in  law  the  fame  benevo- 
lence^-'^^But  this  is  the  molt  iniquitous  of  all,  that  every  one 
thinks,  if  he  is  brought  into  danger.  It  is  juft  to  accufe 
his  calumniators i  but  when  he  is  to  give  fcntence  in  law 
in   regard  of  another,   has  not  ^le  fame  opinion  about 
thefe  men.     But  it  becomes  thofe  who  are  prudent,  Jo  be 
fuch  judges  towards'btliers,  as  they  would  Jehre  others  to 
Deln^  their  ov/n  cafe  ;  reflecting,  that,  on  account  of  ca- 
Jkunniators^  jt  Is  a  thm^;  uncertain,  who,  by  being  brought 
into  danger,  will  be  obliged  next  to  plead" the  fame  things 
which  I  do,  before  thofe  who  arc  to  pafs  their  fentences  on 
him  :  for  no  one,  by  reafon  of  his  having  lived  a  good  and 

moderato 


to      iTie    ORATIONS 

moderate  life,  ought  to  confide  that  he  will  have  the  li- 
berty of  living  in  fecurity  in  the  city ;  for  thofe  who  chufd 
to  neglect  their  own  affairs,  but  watch  infidioufly  thofe  of 
others,  do  not  refrain  from  fuch  as  live  modeftly  in  the 
city,  and  bring  thofe  who  have  committed  fome  crime  be- 
fore you  :  but  fhewing  their  power  againfl  thofe  who  have 
committed  no  injuflice,  they  receive  more  money  for  fi- 
lence  from  fuch  as  are  manifeftly  guilty  :  which  Lyfimachus 
having  in  view,  has  brought  me  into  this  danger;  thinking, 
that  if  this  judgment  paffed  againfl  me,  it  would  be,  as  it 
were,   a  revenue  for  him  from  others ;    and   expeding, 
Ihould  he  be  thought  to  have  furpafTed  me  in  eloquence^ 
who,  he  fays,  is  the  mafler  of  others,  his  power  would  (eem 
infuperable.  Now,  he  hopes  to  attain  this  eafily ;  for  he  fees 
you  too  haflily  liflen  to  accufations  and  calumnies,  and  that 
I  cannot  make  an  apology  worthy  enough  of  my  reputa- 
tion,  on  account  of  my  old  age,  and  ignorance  of  fuch 
contefls  i  for  I  hav^  fp. behaved  niyfelf^my  pafl  life,  that 
no  one  ever,  In  tKe  oj igarch^or'^emoc racy,  either  o 
to  me,  that  I  had  been  guilty  of  contumely  or  injuflice  } 
nor  can  there  be  found  either  judge  or  arbitrator^  who  ever 
decided  of  any  anions  done  by  me:  for  I  was  fufficiently 
apprifed  of  this  piece  of  prudence,  never  to  trefpafs  againfl 
others ;  and  if  I  was  injured  myfelf,  not  to  take  revenge  in 
a  court  of  law,  but  to  put  an  end  to  the  difpute  in  the  com- 
pany of  friends:  nothing  of  which  has  benefited  me;  but 
though  I  have  lived  blamelefs  to  this  age,  I  am  brought  in^ 
to  as  much  danger  as  if  I  had  injured  all  mankind  :  yet  I 
am  not  quite  cafl  down  with  dcfpair  on  account  of  the 
greatnefs  of  the  fine  ;  but  if  you  will  vouchfafe  to  hear  me 
with  benevolence,  I  have  great  hope,  that  thofe  who  are 
deceived  about  my  fludies,  and  inclined  to  fuch  as  fpeak 
difadvantageoufly  of  me,  will  change  their  minds  immedi- 
ately, and  thofe  who  judge  of  me  as  I  really  am,  will  be 
more  confirmed  in  their  ojjinion.     But  that  I  may  not  give 
you  trouble  by  fpeaking  more  at  large  before  I  come  to  the 
fubjed,  omitting  what  you  afe  to  decide,  I  will  immediately 

endeavour 


■■~M 


of    ISOCRATES.       331 

endeavour  to  inform  you  better.    Wherefore  let  my  accu- 
fation  be  read. 

The    ACCUSATION. 

^^nIy  accufer  therefore  endeavours,  by  this,  to  charge  mc 
me  with  corrupting  youth,  by  teaching  them  eloquence^ 
and  to  prevail  in  courts  of  juflice  over  equity.  In  other 
refpeds,  he  makes  me  fuch  a  perfon  as  no  one  ever  was,  ei- 
ther of  thofe  who  buflle  in  courts  of  Ijudicature,  or  thofe 
who  are  converfant  in  the  fludies  of  philofophy ;  for  he 
does  not  fay,  that  only  private  perfons  have  been  my  fcho- 
lars,  but  orators,  generals,  kings,  and  tyrants ;  and  that  I 
I  have  partly  alread.y  received  many  prefents  from  them, 
and  do  flill  receive.  He  made  his  accufation  in  this  man- 
ner, becaufe  he  thought,  that  by  what  he  boafled  of  me,  of 
my  riches,  and  the  multitude  of  fcholars,  he  might  bring 

"''me  into  odium  with  the  populace ;  and,  by  his  fkiil  in  liti- 
gations, he  might  affe£l  you  with"  refentment  and  anger ; 
which  as  foon  as  judges  are  ^^edted  by,  they  become  lefs 
equitable  to  the  accureJ^-  Kow,  I  believe  I  fhall  eafily 
demonflrate  to  you,  tKat  he  has  exaggerated  fome  things 
beyond  meafure,  and  has  been  guilty  of  abfolute  falfity  in 
others.  But  I  humbly  intreat  of  you,  that  you  attend  not 
to  thofe  things  which  you  have  heard  from  fuch  who  endea- 
vour to  fpeak  ill  of,  and  calumniate  me  to  others,  nor  give 
credit  to  what  has  neither  been  faid  with  any  proof  or  jufl 
judgment;  nor  regard  thofe  opinions  which  liave  been  ini- 
quitoufly  infufed  into  you,  but  judge  me  to  be  fuch  as  I  ap- 
pear by  this  prefent  accufation  and  defence  ;  for,. by  think- 
ing in  this  manner,  you  yourfclves  will  judge  uprightly, 
and  according  to  the  laws,  and  I  fhall  attain  my  jufl  rights. 
And  i  think  that  my  prefent  circumflance  of  danger  is 
a  fufHcient  proofs  that  none  of  my  fellow-citizens  have 
been  injured  by  my  art  or  writings  ;  for  had  any  one  been 
fo,  tho'he  had  laid  quiet  in  former  time,  he  certainly  would 
not  neglect  the  prefent  occafion,  but  would  come  hither 

either 


^« 


-^s 


33a         The    ORATIONS 

cither  to  accufe  me,  or  give  in  fome  faJfe  witnefs ;  becaufc, 
fince  he  who  was  never  ill-ufed  by  me,  has  expofed  me  to 
fuch   danger,  certainly   thofe  who  had   fufFered   by  me, 
would  endeavour  to  be  revenged  in  turn  ;  for  this,  doubt- 
^-  Icfs,  is  neither  congruous  nor  poiTible,  that  I  fhould  have 
^.  -offehdeTmany,  and  that  thofe  who  have  fallen  into  cala- 
y    •, '  jnities  by  my  means,  fhould  lie  dormant,  nor  dare  to  ac- 
^  ^y^';   ^u^e  me,  but  be  made  milder  to  me  in  my  danger  than 
thofe  whom  I  never  offended  :  when  it  is  permitted  them, 
^  would  they  declare  fuch  fa£ls,  to  take  what  vengeance  they 

pleafe  oF  nWr-^But  never  was  there  before,  nor  will  there 
now  be  found  any  one,  who  will  objed  aught  of  this  nature 
to  me.  /  Wherefore,  were  I  to  grant  to  the  accufer,  and 
and  confefs,  that  I  was  the  acuteft  of  mankind,  and  a 
writer  of  thofe  orations  which  grieve  you,  more  than  any 
other,  I  fhould  rather  feem  humane  than  deferving  punifli- 
ment ;  for  if  I  excelled  others  in  eloquence  and  artful  apo- 
logies, any  might  juftly  attribute  the  caufe  to  fortune  ;  but 
all  ought  to  praife  my  manners  for  this,  that  I  have  withk... 
reafon  and  moderation  employed  my  ingenuity.  But  tho*  I 
fhould  allow  this  fuperiority  of  art  in  myfclf,  yet  I  fhall  not 
ftill  be  found  converfant  in  compofing  fuch  orations  ;  fori 
judge  no  one  is  ignorant  of  this,  that  all  men  are  frequently 
in  thofe  places  where  they  chufe  to  get  their  livelihood. 
Now,  as  for  thofe  who  live  by  contradls,  and  the  bufmefs 
which  arifes  from  them,  any  one  may  obfcrve   they  aL 
moft  inhabit  the  forum.     But  no  one  ever  faw  me  either  in 
^flemblies,  at  judgments  in  courts,  or  amongft  arbitrators; 
IlHunnedall  thofe  more  than  any  citizens.     Again,  you 
may  find  fuch,  who  can  only  gain  amongft  you  ;  but  if  they 
fail  to  any  other  place,  are  indigent  of  the  very  neceflaries 
of  life :  but  as  for  thofe  riches  which  he  has  ohjeded  to  me, 
they  were  all  rather  acquired  from  abroad.^  Befides,  you 
will  find  their  familiars  to  be  either  fuch  as  are  under  mis- 
fortunes,  or  thofe  who  have  a  mind  to  give  trouble  to 
others  :  but  you  will  find  ihofe  to  have  been  converfant 
with  me,  who  live  the  moft  at  eafe  of  all  the  Greeks.  You 

have 


'      Ml' 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        333 

have  likewife  heard  from  the  accufer,  that  I  have  received 
many  and  great  gifts  from  Nicocles  king  of  Salamis.  Now, 
to  whom  of  you  can  it  feem  credible,  that  J^icocles  fhould 
have  given  me  fuch  rewards  for  teaching  him  pleadings, 
who,  as  lord,  is  accuflomed  to  end  the  difputes  of  others  ? 
fo  that  from  what  the  accufer  has  faid,  it  is  evident,  that  I 
have  always  been  remote  from  that  buflle  and  bufinefs 
which  arifes  from  contra6ls.  Yet  this  is  clear,  that  there 
are  manv  who  write  orations  for  thofe  who  purfue  law- 
contentions  in  the  forum ;  yet,  of  all  this  crowd,  not  one 
of  them  will  be  found  to  have  ever  been  judged  worthy  of 
difciples  :  but  I,  fays  the  accufer,  will  be  found  to  have  had 
more  than  all  who  are  converfant  in  philofophy.  Now, 
how  is  it  equitable  to  judge,  that  thofe  who  differ  fo  widely 
in  their  fWTies  and  affedtions,  are  concerned  in  the  fame 
actions  ?  fTho'  I  have  many  things  to  fay,  whereby  it  will 
appear,  that  my  life  is  very  different  from  the  lives  of  thofe 
who  live  by  the  forum  ;  yet,  I  think,  you  will  mofl  eafily 
be  brought  from  fuch  an  opinion,  if  it  be  once  proved  to 
you,  that  1  never  had  any  fcholars  of  that  kind  which  the 
accufer  has  mentioned  j  and  that  I  am  not  expert  in  com- 
pofing fuch  orations  as  relate  to  private  contrads ;  for  I 
judge,  that  this  accufation  being  refuted,  you  will  willingly 
entertain  another  notion,  and  be  defirous  of  knowing, 
by  an  application  to  what  other  kind  of  orations  I  have  ac- 
quired fo  great  a  reputation.  -  "Whether  it  will  benefit  me 
to  fpeak  the  truth,  I  know  not ;  for  it  is  a  difficult  matter 
to  reach  your  fentiments  by  conjecture  :  but  I  judge  I  ought 
to  fpeak  with  freedom  before  you :  for  I  fhould  be  afhamed 
of  feeing  my  own  difciples,  if,  having  often  faid  to  them, 
that  I  defired  all  the  citizens  fhould  know  both  tlie  life  I 
lead,  and  what  kind  of  orations  I  deliver,  I  fhould  not,  oa 
this  occafion,  fhew  it,  but  be  found  to  conceal  them. 
Wherefore,  be  attentive,  as  perfons  who  are  certainly  to 
hear  the  truth.     / 

In  the  firft  place,  you  are  to  underfland,  that  there  are  no  ^^ 
fewer  kinds  of  writing  in  profe  than  in  numbers.    Some 

have 


:> 


34       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

have  fpent  their  whole  lives  in  inquiring  into  the  families 
pf  the  demigods  ;  feme  have  written  commentaries  on  the 
poets ;  fome  have  collcdled  together  actions  in  war,  and 
others  have  employed  themfclves  about  interrogations  and 
anfwers,  who  are  called  difputants.     But  it  would  be  no 
fmall  trouble,  fhould  I  number  up  all  the  fpecies  of  ora- 
tions. Again,  there  are  fome  who  are  not  ignorant  of  what 
I  have  been  mentioning  ;  but  have  not  chofen  to  compofe 
orations   about   private   contracts,    but   fuch   as   concern 
Greece,  and  the  ftate  of  republics,   and  are  adapted  to  ge- 
neral afTemblies,  which  all  will  allow  to  refemble  more  fuch 
compofitions  as  are  formed  to  mufic  and  numbers,  than 
fuch  as  are  recited  in  the  forum ;  for  they  ufe  a  more  poetic 
ftile,  contain  a  greater  variety  of  adions,  and  feek  after 
more  new  and.  fublime  arguments  j  and,  befides,  decorate 
the  difcourfe  with  more  florid  figures  and  ornaments ;  with 
all  which  the  hearers  are  no  lefs  dehghted  than  with  poetry. 
Many  are  willing  to  become  difciples  of  fuch  as  excel  in 
this  kind  -,  judging  them  to  be  wifer  and  better  than  the 
others  who  plead  caufes,  and  capable  of  doing  them  more 
good  y  for  they  know,  the  firft,  out  of  a  love  of  bufmefs, 
are  ikilled  in  controverfies  and  law-fuits  j  but  that  the  latter 
have  acquired  their  eloquence  by  the  ftudy  of  philofophy  j 
and  that  thofe  who  are  fkilled  in  contefts  and  chicanery, 
are  only  tolerable  on  the  day  they  are  heard  5  but  that  the 
Others  are  honoured  in  all  aflemblies,  and  at  all  times,  and 
acquire  a  good  reputation.  /  Befides,  they  perceive,  that  the 
firft,  if  they  be  feen  twice  or  thrice  at  judgments,  become 
odious  and  are  blamed;  but  that  the  others,  the  oftner  and 
with  the  more  they  are  converfant,  are  the  more  efleemed 
and  admired :  that  likewife  fuch  as  are  fkilled  in  popular 
pleadings,  are  very  inept  for  orations  of  a  philofophic  kind  ;\\ 
but  that  the  others,  fhould  they  pleafe,  would  foon  be  ca- 
pable of  controverfial  harangues.     They  thus  judging,  far 
prefer  this  inftitution,  and  are  dcfuous  of  being  acquainted 
with  this  erudition,  which  I  cannot  feem  to  any  ignorant 
of,  but  to  have  acquired  by  it  diftinguifhed  glory.     And 

you 


■v 


M 


*■«* 


t   '  "- 


fc 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.         335 

you  have  heard  now  all  the  truth,  either  about  my  facultyj 
philpfbphy,  or  exercife. 

^^1  WILL  lay  down  a  more  fevere  rule  concerning  myfelf 
than  othprs,  and  ufe  a  bolder  aflertion  than  fuits  my  years  ; 
for  I  not  only  defire,  fhould  I  appear  to  have  written  per- 
nicious difcourfes,  to  obtain  no  pardon,  but,  unlefs  I  com- 
pofe fuch  for  their  utility  as  no  others,  that  I  undergo  the 
fevereft  punifhment.  I  fhould  not  make  fo  bold  a  pro- 
mife,  if  I  could  not  eafily  demonflrate  this,  and  (hew  you 
the  diflindlion  of  thefe  orations,  The  cafe  is  fuch :  I 
judge  that  defence  the  mofl  rational  and  jufl,  which  efFe6ls 
as  far  as  poflibic,  that  the  judges  thoroughly  underfland 
about  what  they  are  to  give  their  fuiFrages,  nor  miflake^  by 
opinion  or  doubt,  which  of  the  parties  fpeak  truths--  Now, 
was  an  accufation  brou2;ht  ao;ainfl  me  as  one  who  had  tref- 
paflfed  in  foiTie  a6tions,  I  could  not  expofe  them  to  your 
fight ;  but  there  would  be  a  neceflity,  that,  by  conjedlure, 
you  pafled  a  probable  judgment  of  what  had  been  done. 
But  fince  I  am  accufed  on  account  of  my  orations,  I  think  I 
ihall  make  the  truth  more  evident  to  you  j  for  I  will  fhew 
them  to  you  which  have  been  fpoken  and  written  by  me, 
that  not  by  opinion  only,  but  the  knowledge  of  their  na- 
ture, you  may  give  your  fentence.  I  cannot  recite  them 
all  to  the  conclufion  (for  the  allotted  time  is  fhort)  but  I  will 
endeavour  to  give  you,  as  of  fruits,  a  fpecimen  of  each  of 
them  ;  for  a  fmall  part  being  heard,  you  will  eafily  know 
my  manners,  and  the  purpofe  of  all  my  orations.  Now,  I 
dcfire  of  thofe  who  have  often  perufed  thefe  which  are  to  be 
recited,  not  to  require  of  me  at  prefent  new  orations,  nor 
think  me  tedious,  that  I  repeat  thofe  which  before  have 
been  publicly  and  frequently  read  to  you  :  for  did  I  do  this 
out  of  oftentatiofi,  I  fhould  deferve  jufl  reprehenfion  ;  but 
being  now  called  before  this  court,  and  expofed  to  danger, 
I  am  obliged  to  ufe  them  in  this  manner :  for  I  fhould  be 
moft  prepofterous,  if,  while  the  accufer  fays,  that  I  write 
fuch  orations  as  prejudice  the  city,  and  corrupt  its  youths, 
I  fhould  make  my  defence  in  any  other  manner,  when  I 

can, 


336       The    ORATIONS 

can,  by  producing  my  orations,  diifipate  the  calumny ;  I 
therefore  defire  you  will  give  me  this  leave,  and  aflift  me. 
I  will  fo  abridge,  as  prefently  to  finifh  the  orations,  having 
firft  made  a  fhort  preface,  that  you  may  the  better  compre- 
hend what  is  faid  ;  for  that  oration,   which  will  be  firft 
ihewn  you,  was  written  in  thofe  times  when  theLacedse- 
monians  ruled  over  the  Greeks,  and  we  had  but  a  weak 
power.     It  exhorts  all  the  Gfeeks  to  undertake  an  expedi- 
tion againft  the  Barbarians,  and  difputcs  with  the  Lacedae- 
monians about  the  principality.     This  hypothefis  propofed, 
I  fhew  our  city  to  have  been  the  caufe  of  all  the  feli- 
city which  has  happened  to  the  Greeks  :  but,  after  I  have 
Qtven  the  proofs  of  thefe  benefits,  I  defiened  ii'iW  more 
evidently  tojdemonftrate^  tbiit^te  f^vereignty  belonged. to 
our  city,  and  proceed  to  inform  the  hearers,  that  it  is  juft  our 
""city  fhould  be  even  mere  honoured  for  its  warlike  exploits, 
than  Its  other  benefactions.     I  thought  indeed  I  could  yet 
have  recited  thefe  things,  but  I  find  old  age  hinders  me,  and 
forces  me  to  defpair  of  it.     But  that  I  may  not  entirely  fail 
by  weaknefs,  fmce  many  things  are  yet  to  be  faid  by  me, 
beginning  from  the  marginal  note,  read  what  was  written 
upon  the  fovereignty. 

From  the  PANEGYRIC. 

•^  I  judge  our  anceflors  ought  no  lefs  to  be  honoured  for 
**  their  dangers  undergone  in  war,  than  for  their  other  be- 
*'  nefits  done  to  Greece  ;  for  they  hazarded  not  themfelves 
**  in  flight  or  obfcure  battles,  but  in  various,  fharp,  and 
**  great  ones,  partly  for  their  own  country,  and  partly  for 
**  the  liberty  of  others. 

**  And  how  fhould  we  not  fufFcr  injuflice,  if  we,  who 
**  fuflaincd  the  greateft  fhare  of  evils,  be  judged  only  wor- 
**  thy  of  the  fmallett  part  of  felicity,  and  be  now  forced 
**  to  obey  others,  we  who  in  thofe  times  were  at  the  head 
«  of  all." 

2  Now* 


f   t 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      337 

K^<'  Now,  it  is  eafy  to  judge  by  what  has  been  faid,  that  the 
principality  belongs  to  our  city.^Reflea^with  yowrfelves,  if 
_J  %5?.to  corrupt  you thj.  or  exhort  them  tg  virtue,  and  riik-,. 
^^K^3P^?-L^.  % JA^  jepubllc  I  or  if  I  ought  to  be  punifhed 
tor  what  has  been  faid,  and  not  rather  receive  the  greateft 
favour,  who  W  fo  p^^^ 

tors,  and  dangers  bravely  faced   in  thofe  times,  that  all 
thofe  who  had  written   on  this  fubjed  before,  deflroyed 
their  orations,  being  afhamed  of  their  own  inventions  j 
and  even  thofe  who  are  at  prefent  Ikilled  in  this  art,  dare 
fpeak  no  more  on  the  fame  topic,  but  find  fault  with  their 
own  capacity.     Yet  tho'  this  is  fo,  there  will  be  fome  found, 
who  can  neither  invent  or  fay  any  thing  of  value,  but  who 
yet  fludy  to  reprehend  and  blame  others  writings ;  who  will 
confefs,  that  thefe  things  are  elegantly  expreffed  (for  they 
will  not  envy  that  praife)  yet  will  affert,  that  thofe  orations 
arc  far  more  ufeful  and  better,  which  criticize  on  thofe 
things  which  are  now  done  amifs,  than  fuch  as  praife  an- 
tient  tranfadions ;  and  thofe  which  give  counfel  about  pre- 
fent  affairs,  than  thefe  which  recount  pail  heroifm.     That 
therefore  they  may  not  even  have  this  to  fay,  omitting  the 
defence  of  what  was  faid  before,  I  will  repeat  to  you  as 
much  of  another  as  has  been  recited  to  you  already ;  in 
which  I  fhall  be  perceived  to  have  taken  great  care  of  all 
thefe  things.     It  is   that  which  was  fpoken  in   the  be- 
gmning  of  the  oration,  upon  making  peace  with  the  Chr- 
ans,  Rhodians,  and  Byzantians.     When  I  had  fhewn  that 
it  would  benefit  the  city,  would  we  put  an  end  to  the  war, 
I  blame  the  new  dominion  conflituted  amongfl  the  Gre- 
cians, as  likcwife  the  fovereignty  of  the  fea  ;  fhewing,  that 
it  is  noways  ^lifferen^^fronx  jnonarchies  a^^ 
ZJMSl^^^^^^^'^^^^^^mome  what  upon  this  account  has 
happened  To  our  city,  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  all  others. 
When  I  had  difcourfed  on  thefe  heads,  and  deplored  the  ca- 
lamities of  Greece,  and  admonifhed  our  city  not  to  commit 
negligently  fuch  injuflice ;  in  the  conclufion,  I  exhort  to 
the  ,obfer\'ance  of  juflice,  reprehend  public  tranfgrefnon5, 

^  and 


^  / 


I., 


x 


cc 


«( 


cc 


cc 


3.38        The    ORATIONS 

and  give  counfel  about  the  future.  Beginning  therefore 
where  I  fpeak  of  thefe  things,  I  will  recite  Hkewife  to  all 
tliis  part. 

From  the  Oration  on  Peace. 

*'  I  judge  you  fhould  not  only  after  having  decreed  peace, 
leave  this  aflembly,  but  after  confidering  the  means  of 
preferving  it ;'  nor  (hould  we  do  what  we  are  wont — 
after  a  fmalK  interval,  let  ourfelves  be  reduced  to  the 
fame  calamities ;  nor  feek  a  prorogation  of,  but  not  a 

*'  freedom  from  our  prefent  evils. ^ 

*'  What  delivery  will  there  be  from  this  diforder  ? 
*'  and  how  fhall  we  amend  the  manners  of  the  city,  and 
*'  make  them  better  ?  Firft,  if  we  ceafe  thinking  fyco- 
*'  phants  lovers  of  the  people,  and  the  good  and  virtuous 
"  lovers  of  an  oligarchy ;  tho'  we  know,  that  no  man  is 
*'  either  hy  nature,  but  in  whatever  form  of  government 
*'  particulars  are  honoured,  they  defire  its  eftablifhment. 
*'  If  therefore  you  employ  and  embrace  the  good  before 
the  bad,  as  was  done  formerly,  you  may  have  both  the 
leaders  of  the  people,  and  others  who  adminifter  the 
commonwealth,  better  difpofed  towards  you.  Se<:ondlv, 
if  you  endeavour  to  acquire  alliances,  not  by  w^rs  and 
fieges,  but  ben^fatftions ;  for  it  is  natural  th^t  anifties 
fhould  arife  from  hence,  but  enmities  from  what  we 
now  do.  Thirdly,  if  yoa  etteem  nothing  more  (exclu- 
five  of  piety  towards  the  gods)  than  to  be  celebrated 
among  the  Grecians ;  for  they  voluntarily  confer  power 
and  authority  upon  thofe  who  have  fuch  a  difpofition, 
5(c." 

You  have  therefore  heard  two  orations  ;  I  will  Hkewife 
recite  a  few  things  out  of  a  third,  that  it  may  ftiil  be  more 
manifeft  to  you,  that  all  my  orations  have  a  regard  to  vir- 
tue and  juftice.  That  which  now  will  be  recited,  istha^ 
which  advifes  Nicocles  the  Cyprian,  who  then  reigned,  how 
he  fhould  govern  his  citizens  j  but  it  is  not  written  in  the 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


cc 


/ 


■/ 


•     in:- 


} 


3(c 


V 


\ 


fame 


t-« 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        339 

fame  manner  as  thofe  which  have  been  read.   In  them  there 
\^  a  perpetual  coherence  and  connexion  betwixt  what  goes 
before  and  what  follows  5  but  the  contrary  happens  in  this  : 
for  as  if  I  wrote  what  they  call  general  heads,  the  preceding 
fentences  not  being  relative  to  what  follows,  but  diflind,  I 
endeavour  to  exprefs  in  Jew  wards  the  fubjeds  of  my  ex.« 
hortation.     And  I  took  this  method,   becaufe  I  thought, 
that,  by  .admonition,  I  fhould  both  mofl  benefit  his  mind, 
and  beft  indicate  my  own  morals.     For  the  fame  reafon  I 
have  refolved  to  fhew  it  you,  not  as  being  the  mofl  elabo- 
rately written,  but,  becaufe  by  it,  it  will  mofl  manifeftly 
appear  in  what  manner  I  have  been  accuflomed  toconverfe 
with  private  perfons  and  princes.     I  fhall  be  found  in  it  to 
have  reafoned  freely,  and  worthy  of  the  dignity  of  our  city, 
nor  to  have  flattered  him  on  account  of  his  riches  or  power^ 
but  to  have  patronized  the  fubjeds,  and  rendered  as  much 
as  I  could  his  government  mild  and  gentle.    If  when  I  fpoke 
to  a  king,  I  efpoufed  the  caufe  of  the  people,  certainly  I 
mufl  flrongly  incline  fuch  as  govern  the  commonwealth, 
under  a  democracy,  to  confult  the  good  of  the  people.     In 
the  exordium  therefore,  and  amongfl  thofe  things  which  are 
faid  in  the  beginning,  I  blame  princes  for  being  worfe  in- 
flruaed  than  others,  tho'  they  ought  more  than  all  others  ' 
to  cultivate  their  talents."    After  I  have  reafoned  on  this 
head,  I  admonifh  Nicocles  not  to  be  indolent,  or  of  as  r^- 
niiiLa- mind  as  if  he  had  received  a  kingdom  as  a  prieil- 
^^^1^^'  ^^^P^^^"SP^e^^"^es;,.  to  apply  himrelfto  public 
affairs.     I  likewife  endeavour  to  perfuade  him  to  this,  that 
he  fhould  think  it  abfurd,  did  he  fee  worfe  men  governing 
better,  and  the  more  foolifh  prefcribing  to  the  wifer;  ad4- 
Ing,  that  the  more  he  defpifed  the  ignorance  of  others,  l)e 
would  certainly  more  earneftly  excrcife  his  own  mind. 

Having  fo  many  things  to  fay,  I  know  not  how  todif- 
ppfc  them;  for  I  am  perfuaded,  all  thofe  things  which  I 
h^ve  in  my  mind,  were  they  exprefTed,  would  appear  jufl 
and  modeft ;  but  fhould  I  do  fo  at  prefent,  they  would  caufe 
much  trouble  to  myfelf  and  hearers.     And  in  rei^ard  of 

2  2  "  thofe 


^M' 


'/ 


340        The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

thofe  things  which  have  been  faid,  I  am  not  without  fome 
appreheniion,  left  they  may  be  attended  with  foqfje  fuch  in- 
conveniency  on  account  of  their  multitude ;  for  we  all  are 
carried  away  with  fuch  an  infatiablc  defire  of  fpeaking,  that 
we  praife  indeed  proper  feafon  and  method,  but  no  fooner 
have  we  in  our  minds  fomei^ing  to  fay,  but  neglecting  mo-^ 
deration,  and  always  adding  fomething,  we  expofe  ourfelves 
tothegreateft  impertinence.  And  I  now,who  fpeak  and  know 
this,  would  IHll  difcourfc'a  little -longer  with  you  ;  forlam 
filled  with  indignation,  when  I  fee  calumny  in  a  better  con- 
dition than  philofophy,  and  the  firft  accuftng,  while  the 
latter  Is  brought  before  juftice.  ^^Which  who  of  the  anti- 
cnts  would  have  thought  ever  could  happen  ?  efpecially 
amongft  you  who  glory  above  others  on  account  of  philo- 
fophy.    For) things  were  not  fo  in  the  time  of  our  ancef- 
tors  .^[they  admired  fuch  as  made  profeflion  of  wifdom,  and 
declareothofe  happy  who  converfe  with  them  ',  but  they 
judged  fycophants  the  ajithors  of  many  evils.     Of  which 
this  is  a  fignal  proof;  for'Solon,  who  firft  had  the  name  of 
fophift,  or  profefibr  of  v^dom,  they  thought  worthy  of 
being  at  the  head  of  the  city  :  but  they  enadted  more  fe- 
vere  laws  concerning  calumnies  than  all  other  crimes  ;  for 
they  appointed  judgments  only  in  one  court  for  the  greatcft 
injuries,  but  againft  fycophants  they  allowed  citations  be- 
fore the  fix  (or  thofe  called  Thefmothetes),  profecutions  be- 
fore the  fenate,  and  accufations  before  the  people  ;  believ- 
ing fuch  as  ufed  this  artifice,  exceeded  all  others  in  impro- 
'bity  :  for  that  others,  while  they  do  ill,  endeavour  to  be 
concealed  -,  but  that  thefe  expofe  openly  before  all  their  cru- 
elty, hatred,  and  inhumanity.     They  judged  of  them  In 
this  manner ;  but  you  are  fo  far  from  punifhing  fuch,  that 
you  make  them  accufers  of,  and  law-givers  to  others.    But 
it  is  juft  they  fhould  at  prefent  be  more  hated  than  even 
thenj/fbr,  at  that  time,  they  only  hurt  the  citizens  in  daily 
bulmefs,  and  what  regarded  the  city  ;  but  now  the  city  is 
increafed,  and  has  acquired  the  fovereignty  which  our  an- 
ceftors  held  before,  made  bolder  than  becomes  them,  they 

I  envy 


"1  .*■ . 

■to  •  M  > 

■  .'«y .  ■ 

■  *%>- 


of    ISOCRATES.       341 

envy  good  and  excellent  men,  on  account  of  their  power, 
who  have  fo  greatly  benefited  the  city ;  and  they  have  de- 
fired  wicked  and  audacious  men,  thinking,  that,  by  their 
boldnefs  and  animofity,  they  will  be  fufficiently  qualified  to 
preferve  the  democracy  ;  but  that,  on  account  of  their  bafe 
circumftances  at  firft,.  they  will  not  become  proud,  orfeeka 
new  ftate  of  government.     In  this  unhappy  change,  what 
bitter  and  great  calamities  have  befallen  the  city,  which 
thofe  of  fuch  difpofition,  by  their  words  and  aclions,  have 
been  the  caufe  of  ?  Who  never  have  ccafed  objeding  to  the 
moft  praife-worthy  citizens,  and  fuch  as  were   able  to  do 
fome  good  to  the  city,  an  affedion  for  an  oligarchy  and  the 
Lacedaemonians,  till  they  forced  them  to  be  obnoxious  to 
the  crimes  they  were  accufed  of;  and,  by  vexing  and  ca- 
lumniating our  allies,  and  driving  the  beft  men  from  their 
poffeffions,  they  have  rendered  them  fo  difpofcd,  as  to  b« 
quite  eftranged  from  us,  and  to  feek  the  friendftiip  and  alli- 
ance of  the  Lacedaemonians.     By  which  conduct  being 
forced  Into  a  war,  we  have  feen  many  citizens  partly  flain, 
partly  brought  under  the  enemy's  power,  and  partly  reduced 
to  the  want  of  neceffaries ;  befides,  the  popular  government 
twice  diflblved,  and  the  walls  of  our  country  deftroyed  j 
and,  what  is  moft  grievous  of  all,  the  city  brought  into 
danger  of  captivity,  and  tlie  enemy  pofTefring  the  citadel. 

But  I  perceive  I  am  tranfported  by  anger  out  of  my- 
felf ;  and,  tho'  time  fails  me,  am  hurrying  into  a  difcourfb 
of  a  day-long,  and  a  full  accufation.  Omitting  therefore 
the  multitude  of  calamities  which  have  arifen  from  thefe 
men,  and  rejeding  that  croud  of  proofs  which  might  be 
given  of  their  calumnies,  after  I  have  mentioned  but  a  few, 
I  will  conclude  this  oration.  I  fee  others  indeed,  when  they 
are  brought  into  danger,  and  come  near  the  end  of  their 
defence,  to  fupplicate,  befeech,  and  produce  their  children 
and  friends  ;  but  I  think  nothing  of  this  becomes  a  perfon 
of  my  advanced  years;  and^  befides  this,  I  fhould  blufh, 
fhould  I  owe  my  fafety  to  any  thing  eKc  but  thofe  orations 
which  have  been  written  and  fpoken  by  me  before;  for  I 

Z  3  know 


I 


\ 


342       The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

know  I  have  made  a  virtuous  and  juft  ufe  of  eloquence 
both  in  refpect  of  the  repubHc,  our  anceftors,  and  efpeci- 
ally  the  gods  ;  fo  that,  if  they  have  care  of  human  things, 
there  will  nothing  be  concealed  fr©m  them  which  happens 
to  me  now  :  wherefore  I  fear  not  what  by  your  means  may 
befall  me ;  but  I  truft  and  have  great  hope,  that  the  end  of 
my  life  will  then  happen  when  it  is  expedient  for  you;  and 
this,  methinks,  is  a  fign,  becaufc  I  have  lived  my  paft  life  to 
this  day,  as  it  becomes  pious  men,  and  fuch  as  are  beloved 
of  the  gods.  Of  me  therefore,  as  being  of  this  fentiment, 
that  whatever  you  determine  will  turn  out  a  good  and  be- 
nefit to  me,  let  every  one  pafs  his  fentence  as  he  plcafes  and 
incliiies. 


ti 


THE    SIXTEENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES 


W'^'^  ifli<  irctlek  s<, llH/i£7}f€of  ' 


ENTITLED, 


Upon  the  Pair  of  Chariot 
Race-Horses. 


THE 


z  4 


[  345  1 


*e!i9**ea*eaieii8**6aa3«03«^aaii^s« 


The     SUBJECT- 

^HE  Athenians  had  profecuted  Aid  blades  t9 

deaths  who^  thd  no  model  of  integrity^  was 

a  per/on  of  many  noble  qualities.     The  popular 

envy  likewife  fell  on  his  f on  ^  and,  among  ft  other 

calumniators^  oneTifas  accufed  hifn  concerning 

thefe  chariot-horfesy  to  conquer  by  which^  in  the 

.  Olympic  games,  was  ejleemed  highly  glorious  a- 

mong  the  Greeks ;  as  if  they  had  been  extorted 

from  him  by  Alcibiades^  and  demanded  to  be  in- 

demjjifed.    This  oration  is  properly  an  encomium 

of  Alcibiades,  and  contains  a  fne  paffage  con^ 

cerning  excellent  virtue^  and  its  liablenefs  to  envy 

and  calumny. 


THE    SIXTEENTH 

Oration  of  Isocrates: 

ENTITLED, 

Upon  the  Pair  of  Chariot 
Race-Horses.    > 


You  have  heard  from  thofe  embafladors  who  are 
come  hither,  and  others  who  have  known  it,  that 
my  father  had  not  this  pair  of  horfes  by  extortion 
from  Tifias,  but  by  purchafe  from  the  Argives.  All  have 
calumniated  me  in  this  manner.  They  lay  their  charge 
againft  me  about  private  affairs,  but  make  their  accufation 
up  of  what  belongs  to  the  ftate,  and  employ  more  time  in 
reproaching  my  father,  than  in  explaining  thofe  things 
which  they  were  fworn  to ;  and  they  fo  far  defpife  the  laws, 
that  they  would  exaft  punifhment  from  me  for  thofe  inju- 
ries, which,  they  fay,  you  received  from  him.  But  I  think, 
crimes  againft  the  ftate  have  nothing  to  do  with  private 
controverfies  ;  yet,  becaufe  Tifias  often  objeds  to  me  the 
banifhment  of  my  father,  and  is  more  foHicitous  about  what 
concerns  us  than  himfelf,  there  is  a  neceffity  I  ftiould  de- 
fend myfelf  on  this  head  :  and  I  ftiould  be  afhamed,  ftiould 
I  feem  to  any  citizen  lefs  regardful  of  my  father's  fame  than 
my  own  danger^ 

As 


[  345  ] 


46«9**8ae3«03«e3*03«S3«aa*^8a^8*»6il8* 


The    SUBJECT. 

^HE  Athenians  had profecuted  Alci blades  t9 
deathy  who^  tho  no  model  of  Integrity ^  was 
a  per/on  of  many  noble  qualities,     The  popular 
envy  llkewlfe  fell  on  his  f on  \  and,  among jl  other 
calumniators y  one  Tifas  accufed  him  concerning 
thefe  charlot-horfeSy  to  conquer  by  which.  In  the 
•  Olympic  games,  was  ejleemed  highly  glorious  a- 
mojig  the  Greeks  5  as  If  they  had  been  extorted 
from  him  by  Alclblades,  and  demanded  to  be  in- 
demiiified.    This  oration  Is  properly  an  encomium 
of  Alclblades,  and  contains  a  fne  paffage  con- 
cerning excellent  virtue ^  and  Its  llablenefs  to  envy 
and  calumny. 


THE    SIXTEENTH 

Oration  of  Isocrates: 

ENTITLED, 

* 

Upon  the  Pair  of  Chariot 
Race-Horses,    ' 


You  have  heard  from  thofe  embafladors  who  are 
come  hither,  and  others  who  have  known  it,  that 
my  father  had  not  this  pair  of  horfes  by  extortion 
from  Tifias,  but  by  purchafe  from  the  Argives.  All  have 
calumniated  me  in  this  manner.  They  lay  their  charge 
againft  me  about  private  affairs,  but  make  dieir  accufation 
up  of  what  belongs  to  the  ftate,  and  employ  more  time  in 
reproaching  my  father,  than  in  explaining  thofe  things 
which  they  were  fworn  to ;  and  they  fo  far  defpife  the  laws, 
that  they  would  exadi:  punifhment  from  me  for  thofe  inju- 
ries, which,  they  fay,  you  received  from  him.  But  I  think, 
crimes  againft  the  ftate  have  nothing  to  do  with  private 
controverfies  ;  yet,  becaufe  Tifias  often  objeds  to  me  the 
banifhment  of  my  father,  and  is  more  foHicitous  about  what 
concerns  us  than  himfelf,  there  is  a  neceffity  I  (hould  de- 
fend myfelf  on  this  head  :  and  I  fliould  be  aftiamed,  fliould 
I  feem  to  any  citizen  lefs  regardful  of  my  father's  fame  than 
my  own  danger^ 

As 


'346       The     ORATIONS 

As  for  the  old  citizens,  a  fhort  difcourfc  would  fuffice 
me ;  for  they  all  know,  that  by  the  fame  men  the  demo- 
cracy was  difiblved,  and  he  banifhed.     But  I  will  begin 
to  inform  the  hearers  from  remoter  circumftances,  on  ac- 
count of  the  youjiger,  who  were  born  afterwards,  and  have 
often  heard  thefe  calumniators  ;  for  they,  who  before  had 
plotted  againft  the  people,  and  conftituted  the  four  hun- 
dred, becaufe  my  father,  tho' invited,  would  not  join  the 
confpiracy,    perceiving  him  of  great  abilities  for  public 
affairs,  and  faithful  to  the  people,  tliought  they  could  make 
no  change  in  the  government  of  that  time,  until  he  was 
removed  out  of  the  way.    But  knowing  the  city  was  apt  to 
be  moft  inflamed  by  what  concerjis  the  gods,  if  any  one 
was  proved  to  have  violated  the  myfteries,  and  to  be  like- 
wife  violently  provoked  in  other  regards,  did  any  one  at- 
tempt a  diffolution  of  the  popular  fiatej  joining  thofe  two 
accufations,  they  laid  a  charge  before  the  fenate,  faying, 
that  my  father  held  counfels  for  innovations  in  the  govern- 
ment; and  that  the  partifans  fupping  together,  celebrated 
the  myfteries  in  the  houfe  of  Polytion.     The  city  being  in 
cornmotion  for  the  greatnefs  of  fuch  a  crime,  and  an  afTem- 
bly  being  faddenly  called,  he  fo  evidently  fhewed  their  fal- 
fity,  that  the  people  would  willingly  have  punifhed  the  ac- 
cufers,  and,  by  their  votes,  appointed  him  general  in  the 
expedition  to  Sicily.     After  this,  he  failed  from  his  coun- 
try, as  being  free  of  the  accufation ;  but  they  again,  by 
folUciting  the  fenate,  and  binding  the  orators  to  their  party, 
brought  on  the  affair,  and  fuborned  witneffcs.  Why  fhould 
I  fay  more  ?  for  they  did  not  defift  till  they  had  both  recalled 
my  father  from  the  army,  and  had  put  to  death  fome  of  his 
friends,  and  banifhed  others :  but  he  having  heard  of  his 
enemies  power,  and  the  calamities  of  his  friends,  and  judg- 
ing he  fuffered  oppreffion,  becaufe,  while  he  was  prefent, 
they  had  not  brought  him  before  juftice,  not  even  in  this 
fituation  would  he  defert  to  the  enemy  ;  but  took  fuch  care 
of  not  trefpaffing  againft  the  city,  that  retiring  to  Argos, 
^he  remained  there  in  quiet.  But  they  arrived  at  that  hei2;ht 


( 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S:       347 

of  infolence,  that  they  perfuaded  you  to  banifh  him  all 
Greece  ;  to  write  it  upon  a  column  ;  and  demand  him  of 
the  Argives  by  embaffadors.  'Being  doubtful  what  he 
fliould  do  in  his  prefent  misfortunes,  and  excluded  on  all 
fides,  nor  feeing  any  other  fafety,  he  was  at  laft  forced  to 
fly  to  the  Lacedemonians.  And  this  is  a  faithful  narration 
of  what  then  happened. 

Being  thus  unjuftly  deprived  of  his  country,  as  if  he 
had  committed  fome  atrocious  crime,  they  accufe  and  en- 
deavour  to  calumniate  him,  as  if  he  had  fortified  Decclea ; 
had  perfuaded  the  iflands  to  revolt ;  and  was  become  the 
inftruc^or  of  our  enemies :  and  fometimes  they  pretend  to 
defpife  him,  and  fay,  he  no  ways  excelled  others.     Now 
they  accufe  him  of  all  that  has  been  done,  and  fay,  that 
the  Lacedaemonians  learnt  from  him  how  to  carry  on  war,  ^ 
who  may  even  teach  others  that  art.  JBut^l  couli  e^y, 
did  the  time  allow  me,  fhew,  that  he  did  fome  things juftlj, 
a'^Th^rF^iy^S^      ^^^  biameof  othc^ :  ^utthiscer- 
limWwouId^be  moil'unju^^^^^^^  when  my  father  re- 
ceived a  reward  after  baniftiment,  I  fhould  now  fuffer  for 
that  very  banifhment.     Now,  I  think  he  ought  to  obtain  a 
full  pardon  from  you ;  you,  who  being  baniftied  by  the 
thirty  tyrants,  ftruegled  with  the  fame  calamities :  where- 
fore you  ought  to^remember  how  each  of  you  was  ihen 
affeaed,   what  difpofition  he  had,  and  what  danger  he 
would  not  have  underwent  to  have  ceafed  wandering,  to 
have  returned  into  his  own  country,  and  taken  puniftiment 
of  thofe  who  had  expelled  him  ?  And  to  what  city,  to  what 
friend,  to  what  ftranger  did  you  not  apply  yourfelves,  to 
pray  them  to  affift  you  in  the  recovery  of  your  country  ? 
What  did  you  abftain  from  ?     Did  you  not,  after  feizing 
the  Pirsus,  wafte  the  corn  of  the  country,  plunder  the 
fields,  fct  on  fire  the  fuburbs,  and  at  laft  fcale  the  walls  ? 
You  judged  fo  ftrcnuoufly  this  to  be  right,  that  you  were 
provoked  againft  thofe  companions  of  your  baniftiment, 
who  remained  quiet,  more  than  even  thofe  who  had  been 
the  authors  of  thofe  calamities ;  wherefore  it  is  not  juft  to 

blame 


'-.-i 


48       The    ORATIONS 

blame  thofe  of  the  fame  fentiments  with  yourfelves,  nor 
think  them  wicked  men,  who,  driven  from  their  country, 
endeavoured  to  return;  but  much  rather  thofe,  who  remain- 
ing at  home,  did  adlions  worthy  of  exile  :  nor  beginning 
hence,  judge  of  my  father  what  a  citizen  he  was  when  he 
was  Cut  off  from  the  city,  but  confider  how  he  was  affedled 
towards  the  people  in  the  times  before  he  went  into  banilh- 
ment;  and  remember,  when,  with  two  hundred  armed 
men,  he  withdrew  the  greateft  cities  from  the  Lacedaemo- 
tiians,  made  them  your  allies,  and  into  what  dangers  he 
brought  the  Lacedaemonians,  and  tranfported  the  army  into 
Sicily.  You  ought  to  be  grateful  to  him  for  thefe  actions, 
and  think  thofe  the  authors  of  what  happened  in  his  cala- 
mity, who  had  expelled  him  the  city.  Remember  like- 
wife,  I  pray,  that,  after  his  return,  he  conferred  many  be- 
nefits on  the  republic  ;  and  this  in  particular,  in  what  con- 
dition of  your  affairs  you  received  him,  the  popular  ftate 
abrogated  ;  the  citizens  labouring  under  fedition  j  and  the 
foldiers  at  variance  with  the  magiftrates  appointed  here; 
and  both  brought  to  that  point  of  penury,  that  neither  had 
any  hopes  of  fafety  :  for  the  one  thought  thofe  who  held  the 
city  greater  enemies  than  the  Lacedaemonians  ;  the  others 
fent  for  thofe  in  Decelea,  imagining  that  it  was  better  to 
deliver  the  country  to  the  enemy,  than  to  give  the  right  of 
the  city  to  thofe  who  had  fought  for  the  republic.  When 
therefore  the  citizens  had  fuch  difpofitions,  the  enemies 
were  conquerors  by  fea  and  land,  and  you  had  no  more 
money;  but  the  Perfian  monarch  fufficiently  fupplied  them: 
befides,  when  ninety  fhips  came  from  Phoenicia  to  Afpen- 
dum,  and  were  ready  to  aflift  the  Lacedaemonians  ;  the  city 
being  in  fuch  dangers  and  calamities,  as  foon  as  the  leaders 
had  fent  for  him,  he  neither  boafted  nor  blamed  any  for  the 
paft,  nor  deliberated  about  the  future ;  but  immediately 
chofe  rather  to  fuffer  any  thing  with  the  city,  than  be  happy 
with  the  Lacedaemonians ;  and  he  made  it  manifeft  to  all, 
that  he  had  contended  with  thofe  who  were  the  authors  of 
his  banifhment,  and  not  with  you,  and  was  defirous  of 

returning, 


f 


s 


■■^ 


;f  i 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        349 

returning,  and  not  of  facking  the  city.  Joined  with  you, 
he  perfuaded  Tiffaphernes  not  to  furnifh  the  Lacedaemo- 
nians with  money ;  and  caufed  the  allies  to  ceafe  deferting 
from  you  ;  but  he  divided  money  of- his  own  amongft  the 
foldiers,  reftored  the  commonwealth  to  the  people,  recon- 
ciled the  citizens  together,  and  averted  thofe  fhips  which 
had  come  from  Phoenicia.  And  to  mention  what  fhips  he 
afterwards  took,  in  how  many  battles  he  defeated  the  ene- 
my, how  many  cities  he  flormed,  or  made  your  friends  by 
perfuafion,.  would  be  an  arduous  labour  to  enumerate. 
Tho'  many  battles  happened  to  our  city  in  thofe  times,  yet 
the  enemy  never  ereded  a  trophy  over  us,  when  my  father 

was  general. 

And  as  for  the  things  done  by  him  when  general,  I 
know  I  omit  many ;  but  I  have  not  fpokcn  accurately  of 
them,  becaufe  almoft  all  of  you  remember  thofe  tranfadions. 
They  reproach  likewife,  and  with  too  much  indecency  and 
confidence,  another  part  of  my  father's  life,  nor  are  afhamed 
of  ufing  that  liberty  of  fpeech  about  him  now  he  is  dead, 
which  they  would  have  been  afraid  of  was  he  living.     But 
they  are  arrived  at  fuch  a  pitch  of  madnefs,  that  they  think 
they  will  gain  honour  from  you  and  others,  if  they  make 
as  many  invedlives  againfl  him  as  pofTible  ;  as  if  all  did  not 
know,  that  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  moil  worthlefs  of  man- 
kind, not  only  to  fpeak  reproachfully  of  the  moft  excellent 
men,  but  outrageoufly  to  blafpheme  the  very  gods.     Per- 
haps therefore  it  would  be  impertinent  to  heed  all  that  has 
been  faid ;  yet  I  have  a  particular  inclination  to  fpeak  of 
my  father's  ftudies,  taking  this  topic  fomething  higher,  and 
making  mention  of  my  anceflors,  that  you  may  underfland, 
that  long  ago  we  have  had  one  of  the  greateft  and  noblefl 
IJiares  of  glory  among  the  citizens  ;  for  my  father,  on  the 
male  fide,  was  derived  from  noble  perfons,  which  is  eafy 
to  know  from  his  furname ;  and  by  the  female,  from  the 
Alcmaionidas,  who  have  left  one  of  the  greatefl  proofs  of 
their  riches  ;  for  Alcmaeon  was  the  firft  of  the  citizens  who 
conquered  in  the  Olympic  games.     But  they  fhewed  their 

affcctioa 


350       TBe    ORATIONS 

afFeclion  to  the  people  efpecially  in  tyrannical  times;  for 
tho' they  were  relations  to  Pififtratus,  and  his  moil  inti- 
mate friends  ot  all  before  he  afcended  to  fupreme  power,* 
yet  they  would  not  be  partakers  of  his  tyranny ;  but  they 
thought  it  fitter  to  fly  their  own  country,  than  fee  their 
fellow-citizens  enflaved.     That  fedition  lading  forty  years, 
they  were  fo  odious  to  the  many  tyrants  that  then  rofe, 
that  when  their  parties  prevailed,   they  not  only  pulled 
down  my  forefather's  houfes,  but  digged  up  their  fepul- 
chres :  but  they  conftantly  had  that  truft  put  in  them  by 
the  exiles,  that  they  always  continued  the  leaders  of  the 
people.     Laftly,   Alcibiades  and  Clifthenes,  the  one  mv 
great-grandfather  by  my  father's,  and  the  other  by  my  mo- 
ther's fide,  being  chofen  their  generals,  brought  back  the 
people  from  banUhment,  expelled  the  tyrants,  and  confti- 
tuted  that  democracy,  in  which  the  citizens  were  fo  brouo-ht 
lip  to  fortitude,  that  they  alone  conquered  in  battle  thofe 
Barbarians,  who  were  come  againft  all  Greece :  and,  on 
account  of  juilice,  they  were  fo  famous,  that  the  Greeks, 
by  free  confent,  entrufted  them  with  maritime  fovereignty ; 
and  they  rendered  the  city  fo  great  in  power,  .and  other  ad- 
vantages, that  men  called  it  the  metropolis  of  Greece  ;  and 
thofe  who  were  wont  to  ufe  fuch  exaggerations,  feem  to 
fay  nothing  but  tnith.     Therefore  this  fincere  love  of  the 
people,  fo  ancient  and  confirmed,  and  proved  by  the  grcat- 
cil  benefits,  my  father  received  handed  down  from  his  an- 
ceftors.     But  h^  himfelf  being  left  a  pupil,  was  educated 
imder  Pericles,  whom  all  will  confefs  to  have  been  the  mod 
moderate,  juft,  and  wife,  of  all  the  citizens.     1  look  upoii 
this  to  be  fmgularly  glorious,  viz.  after  having  been  derived 
from  fuch  parents,  to  have  been  educated,  brought  up,  and 
throughly  inftrucxed  in  fuch  manners.  When  he  was  adult, 
he  fell  not  fhort  of  v/hat  has  been  faid  before;  nor  did  he 
think  it  juH:  to  lead  an  inactive  life,  and  glory  in  the  vlitue 
of  his  anceftorsi  but  he  was  immediately  fo  maonanimous, 
that  he  thought  it  proper  he  fnould  be  praifed  on  his  own 
account,  and  not  celebrated  for  their  noble  adlions.    And, 

firft. 


11' 


u 


'I 


'ii 


of    I  SO  t  R  A  'PE  S.         35r 

firft,  when  Phormio  leiT-iMihourand  aritied  Athenians  agaiRft 
the  Thracians,  after  he  had  fcled^ed  the  beft,  my  father 

Marching  with  them,  fo  beliaved  himfelf  in  battle,  that  hre- 
was  honoured  with  a  crown,  and  pr^f^Ufed  1?)y  the  general, 
with  a  complete  coat  of  annour.  Now,-  what  fhall  we 
judge  him  to  have  done  afterwards,  who  was  then  tlKHighf 
worthy  of  the  greateft  honours  ?  Certainly,  fighting  along 
with  the  nobleft  of  the  city,  to  have  defefved  precedency  j 
and  leading  an  army 'againft  the  braveft  Grecians,  to  have^ 
been  fuperior  in  every  battle.  Wherefore,  when  he  was  a 
youth,  he  obtained  fucii  honours,  and  advancing  in  years, 
performed  fuch  a(5lions. 

Afterwards  he  married  my  mother.  Ijudgethathe 
received  her  too  as  a  reward  of  his  virtues ;  for  her  father 
Hipponicus  was  the  firft  of  the  Greeks  in  riches,  and  infe- 
rior to  none  by  his  family  -,  honoured  likewife  and  admired 

-  the  moft  of  all  his  contemporaries.  Defigning  to  marry 
his  daughter  with  the  greateft  fortune,  and  fuitable  glory," 
tho'  all  defired  to  have  obtained  her,  while  none  but  princ^s^ 
pretended  to  it,  he  chofe  my  father,  fclefled  from  all  othersy 

fbf  his  fon-in-law. 

■  "AiDUT' this  time,  my  father  obferving  that  the  Olym- 
pic games  and  afTemblics  were  loved  and  admired  by  all, 
and  that  the  Greeks  made  in  them  an  oftentation  of  their  * 
riches,  ftrength,  and  education ;  and  that  the  Athlete** 
were  celebrated,  and  their  cities  rendered  femous  -,  befides,* 
tliinking  the  private  expences  on  thefe  occafions  due  to  the' 
public,  and  what  was  conferred  upon  this  aflembly,  contri- 
buted for  our  city,  to  all  Greece;  thinking  this,  I  fay, 
tho'  no  one  was  ftrono^er  in  body,  or  more  dextrous  than 
himfelf,  he  defpifed  gymnaftic  conflicls,  becaufc  he  knew 
that  fome  of  the  wreftlers  were  meanly  born,  dwelt  in  fmall 
cities,  and  were  ford  idly  educated  :  v/herefore  he  refoh  ed 
to  keep  horfes,  which  is  the  lot  of  the  moft  fortunate,  and 
not  in  the  power  of  any  vulgar  perfon  ;  and  in  this  he  fur- 
pafted  not  only  thofe  who  conj^nded  with  him,  but  ail  who 
ever  conquered  in  this  kind  i  for  he  fent  fo  many  pairs,  as 

ever; 


352       The    ORATIONS 

even  the  greateft  citie3  did  not  furnifh,  and  fo  excellent, 
that  he  was  the  firft,  fecond,  and  third :  befides,  he  was  in 
thofe  facrifices,  and  other  magnificences  of  the  feaft,  of  fo  * 
liberal  and  munificent  a  mind,  that  the  public  riches  of 
cities  feemcd  lefs  than  his  private :  and  he  fo  finifhed  that 
fpc£lacle,  that  the  felicity  of  the  chiefefl  perfons  feemed  lefs 
than  his ;  and  that  the  glory  of  thofe  who  had  conquered 
in  his  time  was  eclipfed ;  fo  that  he  left  no  pofTibility  to 
thofe  who  (hould  fucceed  him  in  the  fame  of  furpafling  him  ; 
for  he  fo  far  excelled  in  all  munificence,  that  they  who  had 
performed  lefs  generous  offices,  praifed  themfelvesftill  on  that 
account ;  and  (hould  any  one,  in  my  time,  require  favour  on 
this  fcore,  he  would  renew  the  idea  of  my  father's  merits. 
Now,  as  for  what  regards  the  commonwealth  (for  this 
is  not  to  be  omitted,  fmce  he  did  not  negledl  it)  he  fo  far 
furpafTed  in  beneficence  the  moft  celebrated,  that  you  will 
find  others  to  have  moved  feditions  for  their  own  fakes,  but 
that  he  expofed  himfelf  for  you  to  dangers  ;  for  he  was  not 
then  popular  only,  when  he  was  repelled  by  the  oligarchy, 
but  was  popular  when  he  was  invited  by  them ;  and  when 
he  had  it  in  his  power  not  only  to  have  reigned  with  a  few, 
but  be  fuperior  to  them  too,  he  refufed  it,  and  chofe  rather 
to  fufFer  injuries  from  the  city,  than  betray  the  republic. 
And  no  one  could  have  perfuaded  you  by  his  eloquence  of 
this,  while  you  conftantly  lived  under  a  republic  j  but  the 
feditions  fmce  rifen,  have  evidently  fhcwn  you  who  were 
lovers  of  the  people,  who  of  an  oligarchy  ;  who  defired 
reither  flate,  and  who  would  be  partakers  of  both.     And, 
firfl,  they  had  no  fooner  removed  him,  but  they  depofed 
the  popular  government.    Laflly,  they  had  fcarce  opprefTed 
you  by  flavery,  but  they  condemned  him  to  banijjunent ; 
fo  greatly  did  the  city  partake  of  my  father's  felicity,  and 
he  fhare  in  its  calamities.     Of  a  truth,  many  citizens  were 
averfe  to  him,  as  if  he  had  aiFedted  tyranny,  not  forming 
their  judgment  from  his  aClions,  but  judging  It  was  what 
all  defired,  and  that  he  could  moft  eafily  attain  it :  where- 
fore you  ihould  be  more  grateful  to  him,  fmce  he  alone  of 

all 


of    I  S  O  G  R  A  T  E  S.       353 

ill  the  citizens  was  thought  worthy  of  fuch  an  imputations 
and  yet  always  thought  it  juft  to  be  on  an  equal  footing 
with  others  iti  claim  cf  equity. 

On  account  of  the  multitude  of  thingsj  which  prefent 
themfelves  to  be  faid  of  my  fa.h:r,  I  doubt  which  in  parti- 
cular I  (hould  mention  at  prefent,  and  which  I  (hould 
omit;  for  that  which  is  yet  unmentioned,  feems  always 
greater  to  mc,  than  what  has  been  faid  before.  Now,  I 
iudofc  it  manifeft  to  all,  that  he  mufl:  be  the  beft-affc6lioned 
towards  the  city's  happinefs,  to  whom  the  greateft  good  or 
evil  in  It  belongs  :  who  therefore,  v/hile  the  republic  flou- 
rifhed,  was  happier,  or  more  admired  than  he  ?  But  when 
it  was  diftreiled,  who  was  deprived  of  greater  hope,  of 
greater  v/ealth,  or  more  fplendor  and  glory  ?  In  fine,  as. 
foon  as  the  Thirty  had  got  tl:e  fupreme  power,  were  not 
others  only  banifhed  the  city,  but  he  expelled  all  Greece  ? 
Did  not  Lyfandcr  and  the  Lacedaemonians  take  as  much 
pains  to  flay  him,  as  they  did  to  deftroy  your  power  ? 
thinking  that  they  could  have  no  fecurity  of  holding  our 
city  in  fubjeiSlion,  tho'  they  deftroyed  the  walls,  unlefs  they 
deftroyed  him,  who  was  capable  of  reftoring  them  i  fo  that  • 
not  only  from  thofe  benefits  which  he  conferred  upon  you, 
but  from  thofe  calamities  v/hich  he  fufFered,  it  is  eafy  to  per- 
ceive hi^  benevolence  :  for  it  is  evident  that  he  affifted  the. 
people,  defired  the  0.me  ftate  of  the  republic  as  you  did, 
was  diftrefled  by  the  fame  perfons,  was  unhappy  with  the- 
whole  city,  judged  the  fame  his  and  your  enemies,  and  un- 
derwent all  kinds  of  dangers,  partly  under  you,  partly  with 
you,  and  partly  for  you  ;  for  he  was  a  citizen  quite  differ- 
ent from  Charicle?,  my  accufer's  relation,  who  was  defirous 
of  ferving'  the  enemy,  but  of  governing  his  citizens  :  and 
when  he  was  banifhed,  remained  quiet ;  but,  on  his  re- 
turn, prejudiced  the  city.  How  could  there  be  a  bafer 
friend,  or  a  more  worthlcfs  enemy  ?  You,  acknowledging 
yourfelf  his  relation,  and  having  been  a  fenator  under  the 
thirty  tyrants,  dare  you  recahto  mind  ancient  injuries  ? 
And  are  you  not  afhamcd  to  violate  the  covenants,  by 

A  a  which 


354      The     0  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

which  you  yourfelf  inhabit  the  city?  nor  refled,  thatfhould 
a  decree  be  made  to  take  revenge  for  what  has  pafled,  you 
would,  in  the  lirft  place,  and  far  more  than  I,  be  expofed 
to  danger;  for  they  certainly  will  never  inflidt  punifhment 
on  me  for  thofe  things  which  my  father  did,  and  at  the 
fame  time  pardon  you  the  crimes,  which  you  have  perpe- 
trated :  for  it  will  be  clear,  that  you  had  not  the  fame  caufe 
as  he ;  you  not  being  banifhed,  but  governing,  with 
others,  the  ftate ;  not  forced,  but  on  your  own  accord , 
not  a  revenger,  but  as  aggreflbr,  injured  your  citizens;  fo 
that  you  can  plead  nothing  in  apology  for  fuch  crimes. 

But  of  what  was  then  tranfacled  in  the  ftate,  perhaps' 
hereafter,  in  this  man's  own  danger,  I  fhall  have  occafion 
to  make  a  diffufer  narration.  I  beg  of  you  not  to  give  me 
up  to  rtiy  enemies,  nor  afflici:  me  with  incurable  calami- 
ties ;  for  I  ha^  already  experienced  them  fufiiciently,  who* 
was  even  born  an  orphan,  my  father  being  banifhed,  and 
my  mother  dying.  Not  four  years  old,  I  was  brought  in 
danger  of  my  life,  on  account  of  my  father's  banifliment : 
the  others  being  returned  from  the  Pyraeus,  and  the  reft 
recovering  their  eftates,  I  alone  was  deprived  of  my  lands 
by  the  power  of  enemies,  which  the  people  had  given  us 
for  money  we  furnifhed  the  public  with.  Tho'  I  have 
been  involved  in  fo  many  calamities,  and  have  twice  loft 
my  eftate,  I  am  now  forced  to  defend  myfelf  againft  a  fine 
of  five  talents.  The  adion,  indeed,  is  laid  for  money; 
but  I  plead  in  fa£l  for  my  continuance  in  the  city :  for  tho' 
the  fame  fiVies  are  noted  in  the  public  books,  the  fame  dan^ 
ger  hangs  not  alike  over  all ;  but  thofe  who  are  rich,  are 
only  in  danger  of  the  penalty ;  but  thofe  who,  like  me,  are 
in  narrow  circumflances,  run  the  rifk  of  incurring  infamy, 
which  I  efteem  a  greater  misfortune  than  banifhment ;  for 
it  is  more  miferable  to  live  ignominioufly  amongft  citizens, 
than  to  live  among  foreigners :  I  therefore  intreat  you  to 
affift  me,  nor  fufFer  me  contumelioufly  to  be  evil-treated 
by  my  adverfaries,  or  to  be  deprived  of  my  country,  or 
rendered  famous  by  my  ruin.  I  juftly  may  obtain  pity  froxA 

you. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       355 

Jnou,  by  the  nature  of  the  things  themfelves,  tho*  I  did  not 
fendeaVour  to  perfuade  you  by  words  :  if  it  be  juft  to  pity 
thofe  who  are  undefervedly  in  danger^  contend  about  things 
of  the  greateft  moment,  but  fuffer  what  is  unworthy  of 
themfelves  and  anceflors,  and  have  been  deprived  of  the 
greateft  riches,  and  experienced  the  greateft  changes  of  life. 

Tho'  I  have  many  reafons  to  deplore  my  cafe,  I  am 
particularly  filled  with  indignation  for  thefe  things  :  firft, 
fhould  this  perfon  take  revenge  on  me,  who  ought  to  do  it 
on  him  :  then,  fliould  I  fufFer  difgrace  for  my  father's 
Olympic  vidories,  for  which  I  fee  others  have  received  re- 
wards*: befides,  if  Tifias,  who  never  did  any  good  to  the 
city,  be  fo  powerful  in  a  popular  ftate,  as  well  as  in  an  oli- 
garchy, while  I,  who  injured  neither,  ftiall  be  ill-treated 
by  both  :  and  if  you  ftiall  have  aded  contrary  to  what  was 
the  wills  of  the  thirty  in  other  regards,  but  have  the  fame 
fentiments  of  me  as  this  perfon ;  and  if  then  deprived  of  the 

city  along  with  you,  I  fliould  be  now  by  you  deprived  o£ 
my  country. 


•«   I      Iii>i*afc1f*>a<— !■ 


i«*mB« 


Aal 


THfi 


-i»  -a"  4 


THE    SEVENTEENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISO  CRATES 


ENTITLED, 


The   Banker 


A  a 


[  359  ] 


Ig^®®^^^ 


(& 


A 


The     SUBJECT. 

'  Certain  youth  of  Pontus^t  the  fon  of  SopauSy  who  had  the 

particular  friend/hip  of  SatyruSy  the  prince  of  PontuSy 

moved  hy  a  defire  *f  feeing  Grteciy  having  failed  with  two 

Jhips  laden  with  corn  to  Athens y  made  ufe  of  the  hanker  Pafio 

in  paying  and  receiving  his  moneys.     It  happened  in  the  mean 

time  that  SopauSy  being  accufed  to  Saiyrus  of  offering  the 

kingdom,  was  thrown  into  pr if  an  ;  andhhforL,  fir  whom  this 

oration  was  writteny  being  accufed  of  having  confpired  with 

the  exiles,   was  recalled  into  PontuSy  i(;ith  ordersy  that  he 

Jhould  deliver  all  his  money  to  the  emhafjadors^     He  therefore ^ 

by  the  advice  of  PafiOy  whom  he  thought  his  heftfriendy  oheyedy 

and  what  could  not  be  comealedy  giwe  t$  the  emhaffadors  j  but 

ienied  he  had  any  money  in  his  hands y  gnd  addid  hefidiSy  that 

he  was  confiderably  indebted  to  PafiOy  that  he  might  obtain 

from  the  tyrant  fome  relief  of  his  indigence.     When  Pafiofaw 

the  young  man  diflreffed  on  all  fides  y  jibing  he  had  a  fine  op- 

portunity  of  fecreiing  the  money y  when  the  youth  re-demanded 

ity  he  denied  that  he  had  any  thing  of  his.  He  was  thus  for cedy 

for  the  prefent,  to  be  patient ;  but  a  little  afteTy^  SopctuSy  upon 

the  dif cover y  of  the  truth,  being  rejlored  to  Satyrus^s  favour y 

his  fony  having  been  often  deluded,  lays  his  charge  againji 

PafiOy  and  demanded  his  money.    The  Jiate  of  the  caufe  is  con^ 

je£lural 'y  for  the  hinge  of  all  turns  upon  thisy  if  the  plaintiff" 

has  money  repofited  with  Pafio.     The  mcjl  dijlinguijhed  topics- 

in  it  are  the  inconflancy  of  the  favour  of  tyrants^  and  tb$ 

danger  of  pretended friendjbip. 


THE    SEVENTEENTH 

Oration  of  I  SO  crates: 


entitled, 
The     Banker. 

THIS  difpute  is  not  of  fmall  moment,  O  judges  I 
for  I  am  not  only  expofed  to  tlie  danger  of  lofmg 
a  great  fum  of  money,  but  of  feeming  to  have 
coveted  another's  property,  which  gives  me  a  greater  con- 
cern :  for  I  {hall  have  fuificient  money,  tho'  I  be  defrauded 
of  this ;  but  fhould  I  appear  to  have  defired,  without  a  juft 
caufe,  fo  much  money,-  I  fhall  be  for  ever  difgraced.  Now 
it  is,  O  judges  !  one  of  the  greateft  difficulties  to  have  fuch 
adverfaries ;  for  contra£ls  with  bankers  are  made  without 
witnefs,  and  chexe  is  a  neceflity  thatthofe  who  are  injured 
by  them  mufl  run  a  great  hazard,  becaufe  they  have  many 
friends,  handle  much  money,  and  are  efteemed  creditable 
perfons  on  account  of  their  profelTion  -,  yet,  though  thefe 
things  be  fo,  I  think  I  fliall  make  it  evident  to  all,  that  I 
have  been  defrauded  of  fo  much  money  by  Pafio, 
^  I  witL  therefore,  as  well  as  I  can,  relate  to  you  ali 
that  happened  :  My  father,  O  judges !  is  one  Sopaeus, 
whom  all  know,  who  have  failed  to  Pontus,  to  be  in  fa 
great  favour  with  Satyrus,  that  he  governs  a  confiderable 
country,  and  has  the  care  of  all  his  forces.  Having  heard 
of  this  city,  and  all  Greece,  I  was  defirous  of  travelling, 
Now,  my  father,  filling  two  fhips  with  corn,  and  furnifh- 
ing  me  with  money,  fent  me  abroad,  both  on  account  of 

A  a  ij,  xner^ 


360       The     ORATIONS 

miychandize,  and  feeing  foreign  places.  Pythodorus  the 
Phoenician  having  recommended  to  me  this  PaP.o,  I  made 
uCq  of  him  in  exchange.  But  my  father  being  afterwards 
accufed  to  Satyrus  of  afle61ing  the  kingdom,  and  I,  that  I 
was  united  with  the  exiles,  he  fcizcd  my  father,  and  fcnt 
to  thofe,  who  are  come  from  Pontus,  to  receive  th«  moneys 
of  me,  and  order  me  to  return  home  again  ;  but,  if  I 
would  do  neither  of  thefe,  that  they  fiiould  then  demand 
me  of  you.  Being  in  thcTc  calamitous  circumllance?,  O 
judges !  I  lamented  my  fortune  to  Pafio  ;  for  I  was  fo  fami- 
liar v/ith  him,  that  I  did  not  only  truft  him  with  my  mo- 
ney, but  chiefly  likewif;;  with  all  my  other  concerns.  Upon 
this,  I  thought,  if  I  fiiould  lofe  all  my  money,  I  Ihould  be 
brought  into  danger,  fhould  my  father  happen  to  fufFcr, 
of  being  deprived  both  here  and  there  of  all  I  had,  and  of 
falling  into  the  laft  poverty ;  but  if,  confefTing  I  had  wealth 
here,  and  Satyrus  having  fent  the  fore-mentioned  mefiafre, 
I  ihould  not  give  it  up,  I  judged,  that  I  (hould  expofc 
both  my  father  and  myfelf  to  grievous  calumnies  with  Sa- 
tyrus. Deliberating  therefore  together,  it  feemed  beft, 
that  I  fhould  fay,  I  would  do  all  that  Satyrus  required,  and 
fhould  deliver  up  that  money  which  was  known  of,  but 
fhould  not  only  conceal  that  which  was  repofited  with 
him,  but  declare,  that  I  had  taken  up  upon  intereft,  both 
with  him  and  others,  feveral  confiderable  fums,  and  do 
every  thing  in  fuch  fort,  as  to  make  them  believe  I  had  no 
money  at  all.  And  I  thought,  O  judges  I  that  Pafio  coun- 
fclled  me  to  this  out  of  benevolence  j  but  when  I  had  tranf- 
aded  the  affair  with  thofe  whom  Satyrus  had  fent  to  me,  I 
obferved,  that  he  had  laid  fnares  for  my  property :  for  when 
I  would  have  received  my  own,  and  failed  to  Byzantium, 
he,  thinking  he  had  got  a  moft  convenient  opportunity  ; 
that  there  was  a  great  fum  of  money  repofited  with  him, 
^vj^hich  was  worthy  of  impudence ;  and  that  I  had,  in  the 
healing  of  many,  denied  I  was  poffefled  of  any  thin^,  and 
it  was  manifeft  to  all,  that  when  money  was  demanded  of 
me,  I  confclled  myfelf  indebted  to  others  5  bcfides,  imagln* 


-,  f 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S.        361 

\n^  that  if  I  attempted  to  ftay  here,  I  (hould  be  delivered 
up  by  the  city  to  Satyrus,  and  that,  if  I  turned  myfelf  elfe- 
where,  he  fhould  not  regard  my  complaints ;  or,  if  I  did 
fail  to  Pontus,  that  I  fhould  pcrifh  with  my  father :  think* 
ing,  I  fay,  thefe  things,  he  refolved  to  deprive  me  of  my 
money ;  and  at  firft  he  feigned  to  me,  that  he  had  not 
money  ;  but  afterwards,  having  a  mind  to  know  the  truth, 
I  fent  Piiilomclus  and  Menexenus  to  him,  when  he  denied 
that  he  had  any  thing  of  mine.    So  many  calamities  at  once 
furrounding  me,  what  muft  have  been  the  fituation  of  my 
mind  ?  who,  by  my  filence,  was  in  danger  of  being  de- 
frauded of  my  money,  and,  did  I  make  my  declaration, 
was  not  likely  to  receive  it,  but  fhould  thereby  render  both 
myfelf  and  father  fufpedted  by  Satyrus  of  a  great  crime :  I 
therefore  judged  it  belt  to  be  quiet.     After  this,  O  judges ! 
they  came  and  told  me,  that  my  father  was  freed  ;  and  that 
Satyrus  fo  repented  of  all  that  was  done,  that  he  had  given 
him  the  greateft  pledge  of  it,  increafed  the  government 
which  my  father  had  before,  and  had  taken  my  fifler  for 
wife  to  his  own  fon.     When  Pafio  heard  this,  and  knew  I 
would  declare  my  cafe,  he  concealed  the  youth  Cittus,  who 
was  privy  to  what  was  done  with  the  money  j  but  after- 
wards, when  I,  coming  to  his  houfe,  had  afked  for  the 
boy,  he  thinking  he  would  be  a  moil  evident  proof  of  thofe 
things  which  I  accufed  him  of,  he  aflerted  one  of  the  mofl 
impudent  falfitics,  that  I  and  Menexenus,  after  we  had  cor- 
rupted and  perfuaded  the  youth,  who  fat  at  his  counting- 
table,  had  defrauded  him  of  fix  talents.     But  that  there 
might  be  no  queflion  or  torture  upon  this  fcore,  he  added, 
that  after  we  had  hidden  this  youth,  we  accufed  him,  and 
demanded  whom  we  ourfelves  had  concealed ;  and  faying 
thefe  things,  flying  into  paflion,  and  weeping,  he  dragged 
me  to  Polemarchus,  requiring  bail :  nor  did  he  let  me  go, 
till  I  had  given  bail  to  fix  talents.     Call  thofe  who  are  my 
^vitnefTes. 

Witneffes, 


You 


"x 


362         The    ORATIONS 

You  have  heard  the  witnefTes,  O  judges  !  But  I,  when 

I  had  thus  loft  one  fum  of  money,  and  had  a-fliameful  accu- 

fation  lodged  againft  me  for  another,  went  into  Pelopon- 

nefus  to  get  more.     In  the  mean  time,  Menexcnus  catched 

the  boy  here  ;  and  after  that  he  had  feizcd  him,  he  de- 

manded  that  he  fhould  undergo  the  qucflion,  both  about 

the  depofitum,  and  the  crim»e  which  we  were  accufed  of, 

Eut  PafiQ  arrived  at  that  pitch  of  arrogance,  that  he  refgued 

him  as  a  free  perfon  ;  r.or  blufucd  to  afErm  his  freedom, 

who  he  had  faid  was  carried  away  by  us  into  flavery,  and 

from  whom  we  had  fo  much  money,  and  hindered  him 

from  being  tortured.     3ut  this  is  tlie  moft  grievous  of  all ; 

^ienexenus  offering  to  Polemarchus  fecurity  for  producing 

the  boy,  Paflo  gave  a  fecurity  of  fix  talents,  as  fur  a  free 

perfon.     Let  die  witnciTes  of  thefe  facts  appear. 

WitnelTes. 
TpfESE  things  having  been  done  thus,  and  judging  that 
he  was  manifeftly  liable  to  condemnation  for  what  ha4 
paiTed,  he  ftiU  imagined  by  what  remained,  he  could  cor- 
rect all ;  and  he  came  to  us,  faying,  he  was  ready  to  deliver 
the  boy  to  torture :  and  choofing  examiners,  wc  came  to 
the  temple  of  Vulcan.  I  defired  the  officers  to  lafh  him, 
and  torture  him,  until  he  feemed  to  fpeak  the  truth.  But 
Pafio  faid,  that  he  had  not  chofen  them  as  public  torturers ; 
and  ordered,  that  they  fhould  alk  the  youth  in  words  what- 
ever they  pleafed.  While  we  quarrelled,  the  inquifitors 
faid,  they  would  not  apply  tortures  to  the  youth  ;  but  they 
decreed,  it  v/2ls  but  juft  Pafio  fhould  deliver  the  boy  to  me. 
But  he  was  fo  afraid  of  his  torturing,  that  he  would  not 
obey  them  in  the  delivery  of  the  boy  ;  but  f^id,  he  was 
ready  to  pay  all  the  money,  if  they  condemned  him..  Call 
the  witnefTes  of  thefe  fa£ls. 

WitnefTes, 

When  after  thefe  meetings,  O  judges  !  all  condemned 

him  of  injuftice,  and  of  adling  iniquitouily  ;  in  the  firfl, 

place,  for  faying,  that  the  boy,  who  I  had  declared  knew  of 

the  money,  and  whom  he  had  hidden  himfelf,  was  con-^ 

»  cealed' 


f-5t- 


-m  i'sj*-"  I 


v. 


f.: 


*«■ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        363 

ccaled  by  us ;  then,  when  he  was  found,  for  preventing 
him,  as  being  free,  from  fufFering  the  torture  5  afterwards, 
when  he  had  given  him  up  as  a  flave,  and  had  chofen  tor-^ 
turers,  for  ordering  him  verbally  to  be  tortured,  but,  in 
fadl,  forbidding  it.  On  this  account,  judging  that  he 
ihould  not  have  a  poflibility  of  an  efcape,  if  he  fhould  b^ 
brought  before  you,  by  a  mefTenger  he  defired  I  would  meet 
him  at  the  temple.  When  we  were  met  in  the  citadel, 
covering  his  head,  he  burft  into  tears,  and  faid,  he  had 
made  a  denial  of  my  money,  being  urged  by  poverty ;  but 
that  he  would  endeavour  to  repay  me  in  a  fmall  time.  He 
begged  of  me  that  I  would  pardon  him,  and  hide  his  cala- 
mity, left  he,  who  was  accuftomed  to  receive  depofitums, 
fhould  be  convi6led  of  having  done  fuch  things,  I  think- 
ing he  repented  of  his  adions,  granted  this,  and  bid  him 
find  out  his  own  methods,  whereby  affairs  mi^ht  be  made 
up  eafily,  and  I  receive  my  money.  Three  days  after, 
meeting  again,  we  pledged  our  faith,  that  what  had  been 
done  fhould  be  fuppreffed  in  filence  (which  faith  he  kept, 
as  you  fhall  hear  in  fucceeding  difcourfe) ;  and  he  promifed 
he  would  fail  into  Pontus,  and  pay  the  gold  there,  that  he 
might  difcharge  his  agreement  as  far  otr  us  pofltble,  nor  any 
one  here  know  the  terms  of  our  r^conCii»c.uon,.and  that  he 
having  undertaken  a  foreign  voyage,  migiit  Tay  publicly 
what  he  pleafed.  But  if  he  did  not  do  this,  he  would 
grant,  upon  certain  conditions,  an  arbitration  to  Satyrus, 
whereby  he  might  condemn  him  to  the  penalty  of  the  entire 
fum,  and  an  half  moie.  When  we  had  mutually  written 
this,  and  had  met  in  the  citadel,  Satyrus  the  Pheraean,  who 
yras  accuftomed  to  fail  to  Pontus,  we  g^ve  him  our  con- 
trads  to  keep!  ordering  him,  fhould  we  be  reconciled,  ta 
burn  the  writing ;  but  if  not,  to  deliver  it  to  Satyrus.  And 
our  affairs,  O  judges  !  paffed  in  this  manner.  But  Menex- 
cnus^  being  provoked  for  the  crime  allcdged  to  him  in  part 
by  Pafio,  had  recoufe  to'  juftice,  and  demanded  Cittus,  re- 
quiring, that  the  fame  fine  fhould  be  laid  on  the  forgery  of 
Fafio,  which  he  muft  have  fuffered  himfelf,  had  he  been 

con-r 


364       The    ORATIONS 

conviclcd  of  fuch  aftions.     But  Pafio,  O  judges!  bcirgcd 
of  me  to  appeafe  Mencxenus,  faying,  his  cafe  wt)u]d  be  no 
better,  fhould  he,  according  to  agreement,  go  into  Pontus, 
and  pay  the  money,  and  yet  be  cxpofcd  no  lefs  to  derifioa 
he:c  ;  for,  he  added,  fhould  the  youth  be  tortured,  he  would 
declare  the  whole  truth.     But  I  dcfucd  he  would  tranfadt 
with  Mencxenus  what  he  pleafed,  and  perform  his  cove- 
nant to  mc.     At  this  time  he  was  humble,  not  knowina: 
how  he  fiiould  manage  in  his  prefent  freights  ;  for  he  was 
not  afraid  only  about  queftioning  the  boy,  and  the  charge 
lodged  againfl  him,  but  for  the  writing,  leil:  Mencxenus 
fhould  happen  to  come  at  it.  Being  filled  with  thcfc  doubts, 
nor  finding  any  other  remedy,  by  perfuading  the  failors, 
he  corrupts  the  writing  which  Satyrqs  was  to  have  received, 
unlefs  he  fatisfied  me.     He*  had  no  fooner  done  this,  but 
he  became  a  moft  audacious  fellow ^  and  faid  he  would  fail 
with  me  into  Pontus  5  and  that  there  was  no  covenapt  be- 
twixt us,  ordering  the  writing  to  be  opened  before  witnefr 
fes.     Why  fhould  I  detain  you  with   many  words,    Q 
judges  !  'inhere  was  found  in  the  writing,  that  he  was  freed 
from  all  engagements  with  me.     Now  I  have  recited  all 
that  happened,  as  exadrly  to  you  as  I  poiTibly  could.     But 
I  believe,  O  judges !  that  Pafio  will  defend  himfclf  by  cor- 
rupted accounts,   and  particularly  truft  to  that  rcfource. 
Do  you  therefore  be  attentive  to  me  i  for  I  judge  I  fhall  b^ 
able,   even  from  them,   to  make  evident  his  improbity. 
Firfl,  rcfle<^l  upon  this  :  when  we  gave  our  agreement  to 
the  flrangcr,  by  which,  he  pretendii,  he  is  freed  from  al,l 
my  demands,  I  fliil  affirm,  I  ought,  even  by  it,  to  receive 
my  gold ;  for  both  ordered  the  ilrajiger,  fliould  we  b« 
agreed,  to  burn  the  writing  ;  but  if  not,  tcHgive  it  to  Sa^ 
tyrus :  and  it  is  allowed,  that  this  was  fpokcn  by  both. 
Now,  with  what  view,  O  judges!  did  we  bid  him  give  the 
writing  to  Satyrus,  except  we  were  reconciled,  if  Paiio 
was  already  free  from  my  demands,  and  the  affair  was  con- 
cluded ?  But  it  is  evident  that  we  had  made  this  agreement, 
zs  the  affair  was  yet  unfinilhcd  5  and  he  mull  fatisfy  n:;e, 

accord- 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        365 

according  to  our  mutual  accounts.     Befides,  O  judges !  I 
can  give  the  reafon  why  he  promifed  he  would  leflora  the 
gold  ;  for  feeing  that  we  were  freed  from  accufations  to  Sa- 
tyrus, and  that  he  could  not  conceal  Cittus,  who  was  con- 
fcious  of  the  depofitum,  judging,  fhould  the  youth  be  giten 
up  to  torture,  that  he  would  be  found  out  to  have  had  a 
malicious  intention,  and  if  he  did  not  do  it,  that  he  muft 
lofe  his  caufe,  he  therefore  refolved  to  determine  the  affair 
with  me.     Afk  of  him,  what  gain  I  had  in  view,  or  what 
danger  I  was  afraid  of,  that  I  freed  him  from  all  profecu- 
tion  ?     But  if  he  can  fhew  nothing  of  this  nature  to  you, 
why  fhould  you  not  rather  truft  to  me,,  than  him,  about  our 
accounts  ?     For  it  was  eafy  for  me,  O  judges  !  as  you  mufl 
perceive,  was  I  apprchenfive  I  might  be  refuted  about  what 
I  accufed  him  of,  to  have  dropped,  without  any  agreement, 
the  whole  affair;  but  it  was  impoflible  for  him,  both  on 
account  of  the  queflion  put  to  the  boy,  as  well  as  the  charge 
brought  before  you,  to  be  freed  when  he  pleafed  from  trou- 
ble, unlefs  he  pacified  me,  who  had  accufed  him.    Where- 
fore it  did  not  concern  me  to  be  freed,  but  him  to  make- 
agreement  for  payment.     Befides,  this  would  be  abfurd,  if, 
before  our  accounts  were  written  out,  I  was  fo  diffident  of 
my  cafe,  that  I  did  not  only  free  Pafio  from  all  pleas,  but 
like  wife  entered  into  a  covenant  about  it ;  yet,  when  I  had 
written  a  teftimony  againfl  myfelf,  I  then  would  come  be- 
fore you :  but  who  would  thus  ad  in  his  own  affair  ?  This 
is  one  of  the  flrongefl  arguments  of  all,  that  Pafio  was  not 
acquitted  by  agreement,  but  had  promifed  that  he  would 
Ply  ^he  gold  ;  for  when  Menexenus  had  commenced  a  fuit 
agJffnfl^him,  while  the  writing  was  not  corrupted,  havinw- 
fent  Agyrius  to  us,  who  is  familiar  to  both,  he  beo-g-ed, 
that  I  would  appeafe  Menexenus,  or  annul  the  covenant 
with  himfelf.  But  can  you  think,  O  judges  !  that  he  would 
d|fire  that  covenant  to  be  made  void,  w^hereby  he  might 
prove  us  both  guilty  of  falfity  ?     AVhen  the  writins;  was 
changed,  he  did  not  then  ufe  the  fame  words,  blit  appealed 
tQ  the  covenant,  and  ordered  the  writing  to  be  opened. 
I..  .  That 


366        The    ORATION  S, 

That  he  at  firfl  defired  the  writings  to  be  annulled,  I  will 
produce  Agyrius  for  witnels.     Conie  up. 

The  witnefs. 
Now  I  judge  it  is  fufficiently  evident  to  you,  that  we 
made  a  covenant,  not  as  Pafio  pretends,  but  as  I  have  told 
you.    It  is  not  to  be  wondered,  O  judges  !  if  he  adulterated 
the  writing,  not  only  becaufe  many  fuch  things  have  already 
been  done,  but  becaufe  fome  of  thofe,  who  are  familiar 
with  Pafio>  have  committed  far  more  grievous  things ;  for 
who  knows  not  that  Pythodorus,  who  is  wont  to  fay  or  do 
any  thing  for  Pafio,  the  foregoing  year  opened  the  urns, 
and  took  out  thence  the  judges  names,  which  had  been 
thrown  in  by  the  fenate  ?     But  if  a  perfort  dared,  for  a 
triling  gain,  at  the  peril  of  his  life,  to  open  thefe,  which 
were  fealed  by  the  confuls,  aediles,  and  queftors,  and  were 
kept  in  the  citadel,  what  wonder  is  it  if  they  changed  the 
writings  left  with  a  ftranger,  when  they  were  to  gain  by  if- 
fuch  a  fum  of  money,  whether  by  corrupting  his  men,  or 
any  other  ftratagem  ?     I  do  not  know  there  is  need  of  fay- 
ing more  on  this  fubjecS^. 

.Now,  Pafio  has  endeavoured  to  perfuade  fome,  that  I 
had  no  money  at  all  here ;  faying,  I  borrowed  of  Stratocles 
three  hundred  flateres.   It  is  therefore  worth  while  that  you 
(Hould  hear  of  this,  that  you  may  know,  in  reliance  upon 
what  arguments  he  defrauds  me  of  my  money :  for  I 
judges,  when  Stratocles  was  failing.into  Pontus,  having  a 
mmd  to  Lranfport  as  much  money  thence  as  I  could,  a(ked 
of  Stratocles  that  he  would  leave  his  gold  widh  me,  and  re^ 
ceive  it  again  in  Pontus  of  my  fkther;  thinking  I  fhould 
have  a  confiderable  advantage  if  my  money  was  in  no  dan- 
ger  by  the  voyage ;  efpecially  as  the  Lacedsemonians  were 
at  that  time  mafters  of  the  fea.     I  therefore  think  this  is  na 
fign  that  I  had  no  money;  but  I  hope  thofe  things  will  be 
moft  firm  proofs,  that  I  had  money  with  Pafio,  which  wat 
tranfaaed  with  Stratocles ;  for  Stratocles  afking  who  would 
re^ay  h:m  his  money,  if  my  father  did  not  perform  what 
was  mentioned  in  the  letters,    or  he,  returning  hither^ 
fhould  not  find  me,  I  brgught  Pafio  into  converfation  with 

hlm§ 


tff^" 


■  •i  ■■ 


1-^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       267 

him ;  and  he  faid,  he  would,  in  that  cafe,  give  him  both 
principal  and  intereft.  But,  had  there  been  nothing  of 
mine  depofited  with  him,  do  you  think  he  would  have  been 
fuch  a  ready  fecurity  for  fo  much  money?  Let  the  wit- 
nefles  come  forth. 

The  witnefTes. 

Perhaps,  O  judges !  he  will  produce  wltneiTes,  that  I 
denied,  before  the  agents  of  Satyrus,  that  I  had  any  thing 
befides  what  I  had  delivered  to  them;  and  that  he  had 
feized  my  goods  on  my  own  confeflion,  that  I  owed  him 
three  hundred  drachmaes ;  and  had  permitted  Hippolaides, 
my  gueft  and  friend,  to  borrow  of  him.  I  indeed,  O judges! 
reduced  to  thofe  difficulties,  which  I  have  mentioned,  and 
fpoiled  of  what  I  had  at  home^  and  forced  to  give  up  to 
thofe  who  were  come  hither  what  I  had  here,  upon  confi- 
deration  that  nothing  would  be  left  me,  if  I  did  not  conceal 
fomething,  I  deny  it  not,  that  he  retaining  the  gold  which 
was  truiled  with  him,  I  confelTed,  that  i  owed  him  befides 
three  hundred  drachmaes  ;  and,  in  other  refpecls,  I  (o  a£led 
and  fpoke,  as,  I  thought,  would  moft  eafily  perfuade  them 
thajt  I  had  nothing  here.  You  will  eafily  underftand,  that 
this  v<a5  not  done  by.  me  out  of  poverty  ;  but  that  I  might 
gain  credit  with  them.  In  the  firft  place,  I  will  produce 
you  witnelTes,  who  know  that  I  brought  with  me  many 
riches  from  Pontus ;  then  thofe  who  faw  me  ufe  his  ex- 
change-table; thofe  befides,  with  whom,  at  the  fame  time, 
i  changed  above  a  thoufand  ftateres.  Add  to  this,  that  a 
tribute  being  laid,  and  other  orders  given,  I  and  mine  con- 
Uibuted  the  moft  of  all  ftrangers  :  and  1  fubfcribed  my  name 
to-  the  largeft  contribution  ;  but  apologifed  to  the  queftors 
for  Pafio,  becaufe  he  ufed  my  money.  Let  the  witnefi'es  of  ^ 
this  ft  and  forth. 

fr  WitnefTes. 

But  I  will  ftiew  Pafio  giving  the  fame  teftlmony  to  thefc 
adlions  with  others.  A  certain  perfon  declared  a  (hip  of 
burden,  on  board  of  which  I  had  put  a  great  many  goods, 
to  belong  to  one  of  Delos  ;  I  contending  for  the  contrary; 
and  requiring  that  it  fhould  be  brought  into  port,  they  who 

I      i  lo\'e 


3.68       The    0  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

.  love  to  calumniate,  fo  difpoft^d  the  fenatc,  that  1  had  pJ/rio/l' 
been  ruined  without  a  hearing  of  my  caufe.  But  at  length 
they  were  perfuaded  to  take  fecurities  for  me  ;  and  Philip 
indeed,  my  father's  gueft,  being  fent  for,  and  appearing^ 
frighted  with  the  grcatnefs  of  the  danger,  withdrew  himfeff. 
But  Pafio  procured  for  me  Archeftratus  the  banker  as  fecu- 
rity,  who  was  bound  forme  in  the  penalty  of  kven  taknts; 
but  had  he  been  in  danger  of  lofnig  but  a  fmall  matter,  and 
known  I  had  nothing  here,  he  certainly  would  never  have 
been  my  fecurity  for  fo  great  a  fum.  Now,  it  is  evident, 
that,  to  gratify  mc,  he  had  demanded  of  me  three  hundred 
drachmaes ;  but  became  thus  refponfor  for  feven  talents,  * 
becaufe  he  thought  he  had  a  fufficient  pledge  in  his  own 
hands,  the  gold  which  was  dcpofitcd  with  him.  I  have 
therefore  proved,  that  I  had  a  large  fum  of  money  here, 
and  that  it  was  depofited  in  his  bank,  by  Pafio's  adiions, 
ind  you  have  heard  it  from  thofe  who  were  privy  to  it. 

It  feems  to  me,  O  judges !  that  you  will  beft  compre- 
hend what  we  contend  about,  if  you  remember  thofe  times, 
and  in  what  fituation  our  affairs  were,  when  I  fentMene- 
xenus  and  Philomelus  to  require  the  dcpofitum,  and  Pafia 
for  the  firft  time  dared  to  deny  it ;  for  you  will  find,  that 
my  father  was  then  fpoiled  of  all,  and  caft  into  prifon  ;  and" 
that  it  was  not  then  permitted  me  to  {lay  here,  or  fai!  into 
Pontus.  Now,  which  is  more  probable,  that  I,  plunged 
in  fo  many  calamities,  fhould  have  accufed  him  unjuftly^ 
or  that  he,  on  account  of  the  greatnefs  of  my  misfortunes^ 
or  of  the  largenefs  of  the  fum,  was  tempted  and  pufiied  on 
to  the  commiflion  of  fuch  a  piece  of  fraud  r  For  who  ever 
arrived  at  that  pitch  of  calumny,  that  while  he  was  in  dan- 
ger of  his  own  life,  he  would  lay  fnares  for  the  life  of 
others  ?  But  with  what  hopes,  or  with  what  view,  could 
I  be  an  unjuft  aggreflbr  ?  What !  hoping  that,  out  of  fear 
of  my  power,  he  would  immediately  pay  the  money  !  But 
this  could  not  be  fo.  Or  did  I  think,  by  bringing  him  un- 
juftly  before  court,  I  fhould  have  the  advantage  in  your  fa- 
vour over  him?  I,  who  was  preparing  to  be  gone,  for  fear 
Satyraus  ihould  demand  mc  of  you.  .  What !  was  it,  that, 

iho' 


of    r  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      369 

Iho'  I  fliould  gain  nothing  by  it,  I  would  mal-  c  him  my 
chemy,  whofe  friendfliip  I  had  ufed  above  any  others  in  he 
city  }  Will  any  one  amongft  you  condemn  me  of  fuch 
madnefs  or  ignorance  f 

It  is  worth  while,  O  judges!  to  confider  the  abfurdity 
and  incredibility  of  thofe  things,  which  Pafio  endeavours  to 
advance ;  for,  when  I  was  in  fuch  circumflances^  that  had 
he  confefled  he  had  defrauded  me  of  moneys  I  could  not 
then  have  profccutcd  my  right,  at  that  time  he  accufed  me 
of  bringing  an  unjuft  fuit  againft  him :  but  after  I  was  freed 
from  accufations  to  Satyrus,  and  all  men  thought  he  would 
be  convicted  in  judgment,  he  aflertsj  that  I  had  freed  him 
from  any  claim  of  mine  whatfoever.     Now,  what  can  be 
imagined  more  abfurd  than  thefe  things  ?     But  not  only  in 
thefe  regards,  but  in  other  things,  he  evidently  appears  to 
fpeak  and  a6l  in  contradidion  to  himfelf,  who  has  faid,  the 
boy  was  carried  into  foreign  places  by  us,  whom  he  had 
concealed  himfelf,  and,  when  a  poll  was  taken,  had  writ- 
ten him  down  a  flave  with  his  other  fervants ;  but,  when 
Menexenus  required  he  fhould  be  tortured,  he  forced  him 
from  us,  as  if  he  had  been  a  free  perfon  :  befides,  tho'  he 
had  defrauded  me,  he  dared  to  accufe  us  of  having  fix  ta- 
lents, which  we  received  at  his  counting-table.     But  how 
is  it  fitting  to  believe  him  for  what  he  tranfafled  with  me 
in  private,  when  he  endeavours  fo  openly  to  lye  in  what  is 
manifefl?     Laflly,  O  judges  !  having  promifed  to  fail  to 
Satyrus,  and  do  what  he  decreed,  in  this  likewife  he  de- 
ceived me  ;  for  he  refufed  himfelf  to  fail,  tho'  I  often  re- 
quired him;  but  he  fcnt  Cittus,  who  being  come  thither, 
faid,  he  was  a  free  man  5  by  his  race  a  Milefian  ;  and  that 
Pafio  had  fent  him  to  inform  him  about  the  controverted 
money.     But  Satyrus  having  heard  both  of  us,  would  not 
give  his  judgment  of  contrails  made  here ;    efpecially  as 
Pafio  was  not  prefent,  nor  difpofed  to  do  what  he  fliould 
decree.     But  he  judged  I  fufFered  fuch  a  fignal  injury,  that 
calling  the  failors,  he  defired  of  them  to  affifl  me,  nor  per- 
mit I  fhould  be  fo  wronged ;  and  writing  a  letter,  he  gave  it 
to  be  delivered  to  Zenotimus  the  fon  of  Carcinus.  Read  it. 

B  b  The 


3^0     The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S,  &c. 

The  letter. 

And  now,  tho*,  O  judges  !  my  caufe  is  fo  equitable,  i 
think  this  the  ftrongelt  teftimony  that  Pafio  defrauded  mr 
of  money,  becaufe  he  would  not  give  up  the  boy  t^  tor--, 
ture :  and  what  proof  can  be  greater  than  the  torture,  in 
regard  of  fuch  contrads  with  bankers  ?  for  witncfies  arc^ 
not  ufcd  in  dealing  with  them.^  I  likewife  fee  you^  both  in 
private  and  public  affairs,  think  nothing  more  deferving  of 
credit,  or  truer,  than  confeflions  in  tortuie  ;  for  that  it  fa 
may  happen,  that  witine£es  may  be  fuborned  to  things  that 
were  never  done :  but  that  tortures  evidently  (hew  who- 
fpcaks  truth  j  which  be  well  knowing,,  chofe  rather  that 
you  fhould  judge  by  conjecture,  than  be  better  informed. 
For  he  cannot  pretend  this,  that  if  the  queftion  had  bcea 
put  to  the  boy,  he  would  have  had  the  difad vantage  ;  and 
that  therefore  he  would  not  deliver  the  youth  up  :  for  you. 
all  perceive,  that  if' he  faid  any  thing  againft  Pafio,  the  boy 
would,  all  the  remainder  of  his  life,  perifli  by  degrees  in 
the  moft  cruel  manner ;  but  did  he  perfevere,  that  he  would 
be  made  free,  and  partaker  of  the  other^s  fraud  :  yet  though 
Pafio  was  to  have  had  fuch  an  advantage,  being  confcious  of 
what  he  had  done,  he  ventured  to  decline  the  judgment,  and 
undergo  more  accufations,.  that  no  examination  hy  torture 
might  be  made  into  this  aiFair. 

I    THEREFORE   befecch   you,    that  remembring  thefe 

things,  you  will  condemn  Palio,  nor  judge  me  guilty  of  fa 

great  improbity,  as  that  living  in  Pontusy  and  pofiefling 

fuch  riches,  and  in  a  capacity  of  benefiting  others,  I  am 

come  hither  to  calumniate  Paiio,  and  accufe  him  fatfly  of 

violating  his  truft.     It  is  likewife  juft  you  (liould  have  a 

regard  to  Satyrus  and  my  father,  who  at  all  times  efteemed 

you  preferably  to  all  other  Greeks,  and  often  have  granted 

you  to  export  corn,  when  they  fcnt  away  the  fhips  of 

others  unladen  5  and,  in  private  judicatures,  you  have  not 

only  equal  law  amoagii  us,  but  even  fuperiority  in  your 

favour.    I  therefore  befeech  you,  both  on  my  own  account, 

as  weH  as  theirs,  to  decree  juftice  5  nor  believe  the  falfe 

oration  of  Pafio  truer  than  mine. 

THE 


ii 


' 


THE    EIGHTEENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCr  AXES: 


ENTITLED, 


Againft  Callimachus. 


\'   A 


B  b  2 


r^ 


[  373  ] 


The    SUBJECT. 

t  TSANJi_BR,  the  Lacedcemonian  gene- 
^*^  raly    having  conquered  the  Athenians  at 
Mgifpotofrdy  t$ok  their  dty,  demoliJ}:edits  waSs^ 
and  changed  the  democracy  into  an  oligarchy  :  he 
^ appointed  thirty  magijirates  for  the  government 
of  the  city^  who  afterwards ^  on  account  of  their 
crueltv^  were  called  tyrants^  and  afedition  ari- 
fmgy  were  made  private  men  again  by  Thrafy^ 
bulus.  After  the  troubles  of  the  city  were  fettled^ 
be  made  a  law  for  the  oblivion  of  injuries ^  which 
had  been  done  informer  times  by  both  parties.    A 
certain  perfon^  tloereforCy  bei??g  accufed  by  a  fyco- 
phant  called  CallimachuSy  of  having  in  thofe  tmes 
extorted  money  from  him^  the  other  denies  any 
Juitjhould  be  commenced  againft  him  for  aSfions^ 
done  in  thofe  times  ^  and,  in  the  Jecofid  place y 
proves,  that  if  Callimachus  might  plead,  yet  that 
no  injury  had  been  done  him  \  and  offers  to  de-- 
monjirate  it,    declining  all  advantages  of  the 
pajfed  law. 


1^1 


.  <\ 


lA 


THE    EIGHTEENTH 

Oration  of  Isocrates: 

ENTITLED, 

Againft  Callimachus- 

IF  any  other  had  pleaded  in  a  like  caufe,  I  would  have 
taken  my  exordium  from  the  fubjed.  But  there  is 
now  a  neceflity  I  (hould  fpeak  of  the  law,  by  which 
we  come  for  judgment ;  that  being  informed  about  what  we 
contend,  you  may  give  your  fufFrages.  Let  no  one  of  you 
admire,  that  I,  who  am  accufed,  fpeak  before  the  ace ufer  ; 
for  after  you  returned  from  the  Pyraeum  into  the  city,  you 
faw  fome  of  the  citizens  excited  to  calumny,  and  endea- 
vouring to  break  the  covenants.  Having  a  mind  therefore 
to  reftrain  thefe,  and  fhew  to  others,  that  you  had  not  done 
thefe  things  by  compulfion,  but  becaufe  you  judged  theiti 
beneficial  to  the  city,  Archinus  propofing  it,  you  enaded  a 
law,  "  that  if  any,  contrary  to  oath,  (hould  commence  a 
•<  fuit,  it  fhould  be  permitted  the  accufed  to  ufe  the  plea  of 
**  tranflation  of  the  caufe;  and  that  the  praetors  fhould,  the 
<^  firft  opportunity,  propofe  the  caufe ;  and  that  he  who 
"  ufed  the  fore-mentioned  plea,  fhould  fpeak  in  the  firft 
•^  place;  and  whoever  lofl  his  caufe,  fliould  pay  a  fine: 
«  that  thofe  who  endeavoured  to  recal  to  mind  old  injuries, 
**  fhould  not  only  be  convi6^ed  t)f  perjury,  or  expeft  only 
^<  punifhment  from  the  gods,  but  likewife  be  punifhed  oii 
**  the  fpot."     I  therefore  thought  it  unjufl,  when  the  law 

B  b  3  ran 


374        The    ORATIONS 

ran  thus,  to  fufFer  the  calumniator  to  begin  a  fuit  againft 
me  at  the  peril  only  of  thirty  drachmaes,  while  I  muft  be 
brought  into  the  danger  of  all  my  fubftance.  But  I  will 
(hew,  that  Callimachus  docs  iiot  only  commence  this  fuit 
againft  the  agreements,  but  is  guilty  of  falfity  in  his  accu- 
fations ;  and  that  there  has  already  pafTed  betwixt  us  an  ar- 
bitration. I  will  explain  to  you  from  the  beginning  how 
things  were  done  ;  for  if  you  know  this,  that  he  has  f^jf- 
fcred  no  evil  from  mc,  I  judge  you  will  the  more  willingly 
defend  the  amnefty,  and  be  more  incenfed  againft  him. 

The  Decemviri  governed,   who  fucceeded  the  thirty 
tyrants :  Patrocles  being  my  friend,  who  then  reigned,  I 
happened  to  be  walking  with  him.     Now,  he  who  was  an 
enemy  to  Callimachus,  who  profecutes  me,  met  him  as  he 
was  carrying  money.     Having  a  mind  to  extort  it  from 
bim,  he  told  him  he  {hould  keep  his  money  i  but  on  con- 
dition he  would  appropriate  it  to  the  public:  but  while  they 
were  contending  about  this,  and  abufive  words  arofe  be- 
twixt them,  many  others  ran  up  to  us,  and  by  chanceOinon, 
cne  of  the  Decemviri,  came  likewifp,     Patrocles  there- 
fore immediately  referred  to  him  the  determination  about 
the  money  j  but  he  carried  both  of  them  befofe  hij>  co^- 
legues  i  and  they  referred  the  whole  affair  to  the  fenate.   /i 
judgment  being  given,  the  money  was  declared  to  belong 
to  the  public.     But  afterwards,  when  the  exiles  were  re- 
turned from  the  Piraeus,  he  accufed  Patrocles,  and  lodged 
a  fuit  againft  him,  as  the  caufe  of  his  calamity.     But  when 
he  had  made  the  matter  up  with  him,  and  had  extorted 
frcyp  him  ten  minaes,  he  accufed  Lyfimachus.     PJaving 
lifcewife  received  from  him  two  hundred  drachmaes,  he  g^vc 
me  trouble.     And,  iirft,  he  accufed  me,  faying,  that  I  had 
ailifted  them.     At  length  he  arrived  at  that  pitch  of  impu- 
dence, that  he  accufed  me  of  all  that  had  been  done^  which, 
perhaps,  he  will  dare  to  calumniate  me  of  at  prefent.     But 
I  will  produce  you  witneifes  -,  firft,  fuch  as  were  prefent 
from  the  beginning,  that  I  neither  took  or  touched  the  mo- 
ney J  then  the  collegues,  who  will  fi'v,  that  it  v^'as  Patro- 

J  cles. 


'1 


! 


.'t 


/' 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       375 

cles,  and  not  I,  who  had  referred  the  affair  to  them,  that 
they  might  pafs  their  fentence ;  befides  the  fenators,  who 
vrill  fay  he  was  the  accufer.  Call  the  witnefTes  of  thefe  things, 

Witnefi'es. 
Tho'  fo  many  were  prefent  at  thefe  a£lions,  yet,  as  if 
no  one  had  been,  he  mixed  himfelf  with  crowds,  and  fitting 
in  fliops,  made  difcourfes,  as  if  he  had  fuffered  grievous 
injuries  from  me,  and  had  been  deprived  ©f  his  money. 
Some  of  thofe  who  were  his  friends  coming  to  me,  perfuaded 
me  to  end  the  controverfy  with  him,  nor  chufe  to  be  de- 
famed, nor  hazard  by  it  a  great  fum,  altho'  I  migl.t  truft 
much  in  my  caufe  i  adding,  many  things  happen  in  judg- 
men  contrary  to  expe£lation ;  and  that  the  caufes  which 
are  brought  before  you,  are  rather  determined  by  fortune 
than  equity  :  wherefore,  they  faid,  it  was  better  for  me, 
at  a  fmall  expence,  to  be  freed  from  a  heavy  charge,  than 
that  tho'  I  fhould  pay  nothing,  yet  once  to  be  brought  into 
danger  about  things  of  fuch  moment.  Why  fhould  I  in 
particular  mention  to  you  thofe  things  ?  Moft  of  them  I 
have  omitted,  which  are  wont  to  be  faid  on  fuch  an  occa- 
fion.  I  was  therefore  perfuaded  (for  I  will  confefs  to  you 
all  the  truth)  to  give  him  two  hundred  drachmaes  j  but,  left 
he  fhould  endeavour  again  to  calumniate,  we  committed 
the  arbitration,  under  certain  conditions,   to  Nicomachus 

the  Batenfian. 

Witnefles. 
And  at  firft  he  kept  his  agreement ;  but  afterwards  he 
machinated  a  new  fraud,  with  Xenotimus,  who  adul- 
terates writings,  corrupts  judgments  by  bribery,  gives  trou- 
ble to  the  magiftrates,  and  is  tlie  author  of  all  manner  of 
evils ;  and  thus  lodges  againft  me  a  fuit  of  ten  thoufarid 
drachmaes :  but  when  I  had  produced  witnefTes  that  the 
fuit  could  not  be  carried  on,  becaufe  an  arbitration  had  in- 
terceded, he  did  not  continue  that  adtion  ;  for  he  knew, 
that  fhould  he  have  but  the  fifth  part  of  the  fufFrages,  he 
muft  pay  the  fine.  But  when  he  had  won  over  the  magi- 
ftracy,  he  again  lodged  the  fame  charge  againft  me,  as 

B  b  4  being 


376       The    ORATION  S. 

being  now  in  danger  only  of  the  fportulae,  or  a  fmallcr  fine. 
Being  doubtful  in  thefe  ftreights  what  I  ihould  do,  I  thought 
it  moft  advifeable  to  come  before  you,  with  equal  danger 
to  both.  And  thefe  are  the  real  fads,  which  I  have  related. 

Now,  I  hear  that  Callimachus  has  not  only  a  defign  of 
Ipeaking  untruly  about  the  crimes,  but  of  denying  the  arbi- 
tration, and  being  ready  of  making  fuch  a  difcourfc,  that 
he  never  permitted  an  arbitration  to  Nicomachus,  whom  he 
knew  to  be  our  ancient  friend  ;  nor  was  it  congruous  thtt 
he  would  take  two  hundred  drachmaes  in  lieu  often  thou-< 
fand.     But  do  you  reflect,  that  we  permitted  the  arbitra- 
tion to  Nicomachus,  not  engaged  together  in  a  fuit,  but 
upon  certain  prudential  conditions :  wherefore  it  was  no 
abfurdity  in  him  to  chufe  Nicomachus  for  arbitrator ;  but 
he  would  have  done  more  abfurdly,  if,  after  he  had  agreed 
about  the  matter,  he  had  made  difficulty  about  the  arbitra- 
tor.    Again,  had  ten  thoufand  drachmaes  indeed  been  ow- 
ing to  him,  it  is  not  probable  he  vwuld  have  accepted  of 
two  hundred  to  flop  the  proceedings  :  but  feeing  he  unjuftly 
calumniated  and  accufed  me,  it  is  no  Wonder,  if  he  was 
willing  to  accept  fo  fmall  a  fum.     Befides,  if  after  he  had 
required  a  great  deal,  he  accepted  of  a  little,  he  cannot  draw 
hence  a  firm  argument  in  his  own  favour,  that  this  arbitra- 
tor never  was ;  but  it  is  rather  a  certain  proof,  that  he  ac* 
cufed  me  unjuftly  from  the  beginning.     But  I  wonder  that 
he  thinks  he  fufficiently  knows  it  is  not  probable  he  would 
accept  two  hundred  drachmaes  for  ten  thoufand,  and  yet 
imagines  I  could  not  have  been  cunning  enough  to  fay,  had 
I  been  difpofed  to  fpeak  a  falfity,  that  I  had  given  him  more. 
I  defire  at  leaft,  that  as  great  an  argument  as  it  may  feem 
that  there  was  no  arbitration,  becaufe  (as  he  fays)  he  re- 
fufed  the  money  mentioned  by  the  witneiies,  it  may  feem  as 
great  an  argument  in  my  favour,  that  I  fpeak  the  truth, 
becaufe  it  is  certain  he  never  laid  any  charge  to  the  witnef- 
fes ;  but  I  think,  that  if  there  neither  was  an  arbitration, 
nor  witnefles  of  what  was  done,  and  you  were  onl)'  to  con- 
iider  the  affair  by  probabilities,  that  even  fo  it  would  be  no 

I  difficult 


t^^'' 


x^: 


m. 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        377 

difficult  matter  for  you  to  find  out  the  truth  ;  for  if  I  had 
even  dared  to  have  injured  others,  you  might  juftly  con- 
demn me  as  if  I  had  trefpafl'ed  againft  him  :  but  I  {hall  be 
found  to  have  injured  no  one  of  the  citizens  in  his  money, 
or  cxpofed  him  to  the  danger  of  his  life,  or  to  have  blotted 
out  the  names  of  any  who  were  partakers  of  the  govern- 
ment, or  have  infcribed  them  in  Pifander's  catalogue.    But 
the  wickednefs  of  the  Thirty  forced  many  to  commit  fuch 
things ;  for  they  did  not  only  give  impunity  to  the  flagi- 
tious, but  even  ordered  fome  to  commit  crimes :  but  I  fhall 
be  found  clear  of  any  fuch  actions,  even  under  their  go- 
vernment ;  yet,  he  fays,  he  received  an  injury  from  me, 
when  the  Thirty  were  caft  out,  the  Piraeus  was  taken,  th« 
people  in  power,  and  when  difcourfes  were  held  of  a  paci- 
fication.    Now,  can  it  feem  credible  to  you,  that  he  who 
had  behaved  himfelf  with  moderation  under  the  thirty  ty« 
rants,  fhould  have  deferred  doing  injury  to  thefe  times, 
when  it  even  repented  thofe  who  had  tranfgrefled  before? 
But  this  is  the  greateft  abfurdity  of  all,  if  I  would  not  thea 
punifh  any  of  my  enemies,  but  fhould  have  attempted  to 
injure  thofe  now,  betwixt  whom  and  me  there  never  had 
been  any  commerce.     Now,  I  judge  I  have  fufficiently  dc- 
monftrated,  that  I  was  not  the  caufe  of  Callimachus  his 
•  money  being  confifcated. 

But  you  will  underftand,  that  tho'  I  had  done  all  thofe 
things  at  that  time  which  he  has  alledged  to  me,  he  could 
not  ftill,  by  the  public  covenant,  caufe  me  a  law-fuit.  Read 

the  codex. 

The  covenant. 
Have  I  then,  with  fmall  plea  in  law,  put  in  my  ex- 
ception to  his  profecution  ?  Have  I  not  rather  the  ftrongeft 
right,  fince  the  treaties  openly  acquit  thofe  who  accufed  any 
one,  or  brought  him  before  a  magiftrate,  or  did  any  thing 
of  a  like  nature  ?  Whereas  I  can  prove,  that  I  have  nei- 
ther done  fo,  nor  tranfgrefled  in  any  thing  clfe.  Read  roc 
(he  oath. 

The  path. 


378      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

Is  not  this  atrocious,  when  the  treaties  are  of  this  naturCi^ 
^d  fuch  ^n  oath  has  been  taken,  that  Callimachus  fhould 
io  rely  upon  his  eloquence,  as  to  perfuade  himfelf  he  can 
pi^evail  upon  you  to  decree  the  contrary  ?     And  indeed,  did 
he  fee  the  city  repent  of  what  has  been  done,  it  would  not 
be  reafonable  for  any  one  to  wonder  at  him.     Now,  you 
kave  not  only  fliewn,  by  the  enadion  of  a  law,  that  yo*i 
^i^]y  efleem  the  treaties ;  but  yov  hav«  thought  proper  ta 
difmifs  Philo  the  Caelaean,  who  was  accufcd  of  a  falfe  em- 
kaiTy,  tho*  he  had  nothing  to  plead  in  his  defence,  but  tbo 
treaties ;  nor  would  you  pafs  judgment  on  him ;  and  the 
city  even  does  not  think  it  proper  to  infli^l  punifhment  on 
thofe  who  acknowledge  their  mifdeeds ;  but  this  man  dares 
to  calumniate  thofe  who  have  done  nothing  amifs.    Nor  is 
this  concealed  from  him,  that  Thrafybulus  and  Anytus^ 
who  at  that  time  particularly  flouriflied  in  the  city,  and 
vere  fpoiled  of  a  great  deal  of  money,  and  knew  the  preva- 
ricators who  had  profcribed  their  goods,  dare  not  lodge  ^ 
profecution  againil  them,  nor  make  mention  of  the  injuries. 
Sut  altho',  in  other  refpecls,  t;hey  can  efFed  more  than 
others,  yet,  in  what  regards  the  treaties,  they  judge  it  equi- 
4*ble  that  they  {h<>uld  have  the  fame  law  as  their  fqJlow-^ 
citizens;  nor  have  they  only  thought  fo,  but  no  one  amongft 
you  has  dared  to  begin  fuch  an  adtion.     Now,  it  would  be 
aiwuft  that  you  fliculd  i^eep  your  oath  in  your  own  regard, 
4nd  ye$  violate  i|  (or  the  (akq  of  Callimachus,  and,  by  pub- 
lic authority,  caufe  private  contracts  to  be  ratified,  and  yet 
fufferany  one  to  break  thro'  the  city's  covenants.    But  this 
would  be  the  moft  wonderful  of  all,  if,  while  it  was  doubt- 
iu)i  wb^t^her  t^ia  reconciliation  would  be  beneficial  to  the 
city,  or  not,  you  took  fuch  an  oath  abput  it,  that  there 
flfkpuld  be  a  neceflity  of  {landing  to  the  agreement;  but  that 
aft^  it  fucceeded  fo  w^ll,  that  iho'  there  had  been  no  fecu- 
tity  given,  yet  it  would  be  reafonable  that  you  fhould  pre- 
ifrvc  tbe  prqf^t  ilafe-of  th«  republic^  you  fliould  now  vio* 
late  your  folemn  engagement ;  and  if  you  are  incenfed  at 
Jhofe  who  fay  ^'ou  ought  to  annul  jour  covenants,  and  yet 

kt 


K 


in 


[' 


n 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       379 

let  him  pafs  with  impunity  who  has  dared  to  tranfgrefs  them 
when  written.  You  would,  by  this  means,  neither  a6J: 
juflly,  nor  do  what  is  agreeable  to  your  former  decrees, 
Reflea  likewife,  that  you  are  aflembled  to  judge  of  things 
of  the  higheft  importance  ;  for  you  will  give  your  fuffrages 
about  the  public  treaties,  which  it  never  benefitted  you  to 
have  violated  in  rcfpeft  of  others,  or  others  in  refped:  of 
you.  Now,  they  have  that  force,  that  moft  things  which 
^re  done  in  human  life,  both  amongft  the  Greeks  and  Bar^ 
barians,  are  tranfaded  by  covenants ;  for  by  relying  on 
them,  we  approach  one  another,  and  have  mutual  commerce 
in  regard  of  what  we  want ;  by  them  we  make  contra(5J:s 
betwixt  ourfelves,  and  compofe  private  quarrrels,  and  mu- 
tual wars  ;  and  all  mankind  ufe  this  method  continually,  as 
an  univerfal  good  :  wherefore  it  is  proper  for  all  to  main- 
tain treaties,  and  for  us  particularly ;  for  of  late,  when  we 
were  conquered  in  war,  and  brought  under  the  power  of 
our  enemy,  many  being  defirous  of  ruining  our  city,  we 
had  recourfe  to  oaths  and  covenants,  which  fhould  the  La- 
cedaemonians violate,  there  is  none  of  us  but  would  be  filled 
with  indignation.  But  how  can  any  one  accufe  another 
for  what  he  is  guilty  of  himfelf?  To  whom  fhould  wo 
feemto  fuffcr  injuftice,  if  we  fhould  be,  contrary  to  cove- 
nants, ill-treated,  if  we  appear  to  have  no  regard  for  them 
ourfelves  ?  Or  what  credit  fhall  we  gain  with  others,  if  we 
fo  rafhly  break  through  the  faith  that  Has  been  mutually 
interchanged  amongft  ourfelves  ?  It  is  likewife  worthy  of 
confideration,  that  tho'  many  and  noble  things  have  been 
done  by  our  anceftors  in  war,  yet  our  city  is  not,  in  the 
leaft  degree,  rendered  famous  for  this  reconciliation ;  for 
we  fhall  find  many  cities  to  have  fought  bravely,  but  no 
one  to  have  better  con fulted  public  concord  and  agreement. 
Bcfides,  \ve  may  afcribe  the  greateft  part  of  thofe  things, 
which  are  done  with  danger,  to  fortune ;  but  no  one  can 
imagine  any  thing  elfe  to  have  been  the  caufe  of  our  mode- 
ration amongft  ourfelves,  but  our  prudence :  wherefore  it 
i§  no  ways  juft  that  wc  fhould  be  betrayers  of  this  glory. 

Nor 


< 


S8o       The     ORATIONS 

Nor  let  any  one  think,  that  I  exceed  rcafon,  or  fpcak  more 
than  truth,  becaufe  I  have  faid  this  in  my  private  caufe. 
TTiis  a£lion  is  not  brought  againft  me  alone,  but  ao-ainft 
you,  by  vj^hat  has  been  lately  fkid  before,  for  which  no  one 
can  fpeak  fuitable  to  the  occafion,  nor  appoint  a  fuiEcient 
fine ;  for  this  difpute  differs  from  all  others  in  this,  that  it 
docs  not  only  concern  thofe  vt^ho  difpute,  but  the  whok 
community.  You  are  to  determine  about  this,  obliged  by 
two  oaths  J  the  one  fuch  as  you  take  in  common  affairs, 
but  the  other  fuch  as  you  take  in  a  public  treaty.  If  you 
judge  wrong  in  this  cafe,  you  will  not  only  violate  the  laws 
of  the  city,  but  violate  the  common  law  of  all  nations : 
wherefore  it  becomes  you  the  leafl  of  all,  neither  to  pafs 
that  judgment  by  favour,  by  lenity,  or  any  thing  elfe,  but 
your  own  folemn  agreement  about  the  cafe  in  queftion  :  I 
%,  it  is  both  becoming  for  you,  expedient,  and  juft,  that 
you  (hould  fo  decree  about  the  covenant ;  nor  do  I  think 
that  Callimachus  himfelf  can  deny  it. 

I  JUDGE,  that  he  will  deplore  his  prefent  indigence,  and 
the  calamity  which  has  befallen  him ;  and  fay,  that  he  has 
fufFered  cruel  injuftice,  if,  for  that  mon^  which  he  was 
deprived  of  in  the  oligarchy,  he  fhould  pay  a  fine  in  the 
democracy  ;  and  that  if  he  was  then,  for  his  wealth,  forced 
into^  banifhment,  he  (hould  now,  when  he  ought  to  take 
punifhment  of  others,  be  rendered  fcandalous.  He  will  accufc 
thofe  anions  which  have  been  done  in  the  change  of  the 
republic,  hoping  thereby  to  raife  your  indignation.  Perhaps 
be  has  heard  fuch  a  report,  that,  when  you  cannot  find  the 
guUty,  you  punifn  the  innocent  I  neither  think  you  of 
fuch  a  difpofition,  nor  do  I  think  it  in  the  leafl  difficult  to 
finfwer  the  fore-mentioned  difcourfes.  As  for  what  regards 
moving  lamentations,  I  afHrm,  you  ought  not  to  a/Tifl  thofe 
ivho  fhew  themfelves  to  be  miferable,  but  thofe  who  fpeak 
what  feems  more  equitable  about  what  they  have  fwore 
Eut  as  for  the  fine,  was  I  the  author  of  thefe  things,  you 
woyld  defervedly  condole  with  him,  was  he  to  fufFer  a  pe- 
nalty; but  he  himfelf  is  the  v^ry  per fon  who  calumniates 

another ; 


i 


t  ml 


fu 

'b^- 


Tjf- 


wis" 


r. 


of   I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  &.        3&f 

EflOther:  wherefore  you  cannot  in  juftice  approve  any- 
thing while  he  alone  fpeaks  it.     Then,  you  ought  to  con-- 
fider  this,  that  all  thofe  who  returned  from  the  Piraeus,  may 
hold  the  fame  difcourfe  as  he,  none  of  whom  commenced 
fuch  a  fuit.  Now,  you  ought  to  htte  thofe,  arid  think  them 
bad  citizens,  who  have  fufFered  the  fame  calamities  as  the 
raultitudc,  but  wouM  take  a  peculiar  and  different  revenge, 
Befides,  it  is  yet  permitted  him,  before  he  runs  the  hazard 
of  your  fentence,  by  dropping  the  fuit,  to  be  free  from  all 
tcoable  ;  and  how  can  it  be  other  wife  than  abfurd  to  defu-e 
pity  fro;n  you  in  his  danger,  whicK  is  entirely  in  his  own 
power,  into  which  he  cafts  himfelf,  and  which  it  is  aow 
ia  his  option  to  avoid  ?     But  if  he  calls  to  mind  what  was 
done  in  the  oligarchy,  require  of  him  not  to  bring  his  ac- 
cufation  of  fuch  thin^  as  none  will  give  an  anfwer  to  ; 
but  prove  to  you  that  I  took  his  money,  about  which  yon 
are  to  pafs  your  fentence :  nor  fhew  that  he  has  under- 
gone unworthy  treatment;  but  demonftrate  me  to  have 
teen  the  caufe,  and  that  therefore  he  thinks  it  jufl  to  reco- 
ver damage  of  me :  for  fhould  he  litigate  with  any  other 
citizen,  he  might  dwell  on  his  hard  circumflances ;  but 
tkofe  accufations  fhould  not  have  weight  with  you,  which 
raay  be  laid  againfl  thofe  who  have  done  nothing  amifs ;  but ' 
fuch  as  cannot  be  made  but  of  fuch  as  have  done  injuflice- 
Wherefore,  to  refute  his  allegation  hitherto,  perhaps  thefc 
things  may  fuflice,  and  I  (hall  have  an  opportunity  of  fpeak-' 
ing  fhortly  more. 

But  refled  (tho'  I  may  feem  to  fome  to  handle  twice 
the  fame  topic)  that  a  great  many  will  be  attentive  to  this 
judgment,  not  heeding  my  affair,  but  thinking  fentence  is 
to  be  given  of  the  whole  league,  whom  you  will  caufe  to 
dwell  in  the  city  with  fafety,  if  you  decree  JufWy;  but  if 
otherwife,  what  courage  do  you  think  thefe  will  have,  who 
ftay  in  the  city,  if  you  feem  alike  angry  with  all  who  have 
been  partakers  of  diis  republic  ?  And  what  fecurity  will 
they  think  themfelves  in,  who  are  confcious  to  themfelves 
^  even  a  fmall  crime,  when  they  fee,  that  thofe  who  have 

behaved 


.T 


384       The    ORATIONS 

tion,  and  he  had  witnefTed  before  you,  that  the  woman  waiJ 
dead,  they  who  were  friends  to  Cratinus,  entering  by  force 
iiic  houfe,  and  fcizing  her,  brought  her  into  court,  and 
prefented  her  alive  before  all ;  fo  that  there  being  kwcn 
hundred  judges,  and  fourteen  of  them  giving  fentence,  he 
had  not  fo  much  as  one  fuffrage.  Call  the  witnefTes  of  thefe 
things. 

WitnefTes. 

Who  therefore  can  fuificiently  cxcufe  thofe  things  which 
ircre  done  by  him  ?  or  who  find  an  example  of  more  fla- 
grant improbity,  injuftice,  and  calumny  ?  Some  injuflices 
do  not  difclofe  all  the  difpofition  of  the  delinquents  ;  but  It 
is  eafy  to  comprehend  mens  whole  lives  by  fuch  horrid 
anions  :  for  what  villainy  will  they  abflain  from,  who  will 
afTert  the  living  to  be  dead  ?  Or,  if  a  man  be  wicked  for 
2r  ther's  intercfl,  what  would  he  not  do  for  his  own? 
And  how  can  any  one  believe  this  man,  when  he  fpeaks 
for  himWf,  who  is  convided  of  having  perjured  himfelf  for 
another  ?  For  who  ever  was  more  clearly  proved  to  have 
given  a  falfe  witnefs  ?  You  judge  of  others  by  what  is  faid 
to  refute  them ;  but  the  judges  faw  with  their  own  eyes  the 
faliity  of  this  man's  teftimony  ;  and  will  he  dare,  after  hav-« 
ing  been  guilty  of  fuch  improbity,  to  accufe  us  of  falfity  r 
a£ling  jufl  in  fuch  a  manner,  as  if  Phrynondas  fhould  object 
fraud,  or  Philergus,  who  flole  the  flatue  of  Gorgon,  fhould 
call  others  facrilegious ;  for  whom  can  we  imagine  more 
likely  to  fuborn  falfe  witnefies,  than  he  who  dares  to  give 
a  falfe  teflimony  for  others  ? 

But  it  will  be  permitted  often  to  accufe  Callimachus,  he 
has  led  fuch  a  life  in  the  republic.  As  for  what  regards  my- 
felf,  I  (hall  omit  all  my  other  public  ofHces;  but  I  will 
make  mention  of  this,  on  account  of  whieh  you  ought  nou 
cnly  to  have  gratitude  to  me,  but  may  ufe  it  as  a  teftimony 
of  all  my  others  ;  for  when  our  city  had  lofl  its  fliips  in  the 
HcUefpont, .  and  was  deprived  of  fovereignty,  I  fo  far  ex- 
celled moil  of  the  captains,  that  I,  with  a  few,  faved  my 
ftiipj  nay,  fo  far  furpafTed  them,  that  I  alone  returning 

with 


' 


L> 


oflSOCRATES.       385 

With  ifiy  Blip  into  the  Pirseus,  did  not  lay  down  my  com- 
million  J  but  when  others  willingly  evaded  public  ofEcesj 
and  defpaired  about  the  prefent  flate  of  things,  and  it  re- 
pented others  of  what  they  had  expended;  others  hid  what 
remained  them,  and  thought  that  the  public  was  ruined^ 
and  confulted  their  own  private  intereflj  I  had  not  the  fame 
fentiments  as  they^  but  aftcf  I  had  pcrfuaded  my  brother, 
that  he,  along  with  me,  would  perform  the  office  of  trJe- 
farch,  having  paid  the  failors  with  our  moneys  we  infefled 
the  enemy»  Laflly,  when  Lyfander  had  decreed,  that  if 
any  fhould  import  com  to  you,  he  fhould  be  punifhed  with 
death,  we  were  fo  afFedionate  to  the  city,  that  when  others 
durft  not  bring  in  their  own  cornj  we,  interceptino-  that 
Which  was  carrying  to  them,  brought  it  to  thePirxus;  for 
which  benefits  you  decreed  we  fhould  be  honoured  with 
crowns,  and  be  celebrated  by  heraldry  before  the  flatues  of 
Hercules,  as  authors  of  great  and  fingular  benefits. 

But  you  ought  to  elteem  thofe  popular,  who  not  only 
while  the  people  enjoyed  the  power  defired  to  be  partakers 
of  the  f^ate;  but  who,  when  the  republic  was  afflid^ed 
chofc  to  rifk  their  lives  for  you  5  and  ought  to  be  grateful, 
not  becaufe  a  perfon  has  been  calamitous,  but  becaufe  he 
has  done  you  fignal  benefits;  and  not  pity  fuch  as  are  be- 
come poor  by  lollng  their  fubflance,  but  fuch  as  are  fo  by 
having  employed  their  money  in  your  fervice,  one  of  whom 
I  fhall  be  found  to  be ;  who  would  be  the  moft  unhappy  of 
all  men,  if,  after  having  been  at  great  expence  for  the  ftate 
out  of  my  own  private  purfe,  I  fhould  feem  now  to  lay 
fnares  for  that  of  another  man,  and  fet  light  by  fufFering  a 
a  public  ignominy  before  you,  who  not  only  will  appear  to 
have  poflponed  my  private  fortune,  but  my  very  life,  to  be 
efleemed  and  praifed  by  you.  Whom  of  you  would  it  not 
grieve,  if  not  immediately,  yet;  in  a  fhort  time,  if  you 
fhould  fee  this  calumniator  become  rich,  but  me  deprived 
even  of  what  I  had  left  myfelf  from  expences  in  public  offi- 
ces; and  that  he  who  never  would  undergo  an v  dancers 
for  you,  fhould  have  more  power  than  the  laws  and  trea- 

C  c  ties; 


'iH 


386    The    ORATIONS,  &c. 

ties ;  and  I,  who  was  always  fo  afFe6lionate  to  the  cityt 
(hould  not  be  thought  worthy  of  common  equity !  Who 
is  there  would  not  blame  you,  if  perfuaded  by  the  words  of 
Callimachus,  you  fhould  condemn  me  of  fo  great  improbity, 
whom,  after  mature  judgment  from  the  fads  themfelves, 
you  crowned  for  bravery,  when  it  was  not  fo  cafy  as  now 
to  obtain  fuch  an  honour  ?  There  is  fomething  very  dif- 
ferent happens  to  me  and  others ;  for  they  renew  the  me- 
mory of  thofe  who  have  received  benefits;  but  I  defire 
that  you  would  remember  the  benefits  which  you  have  con- 
ferred, that  they  may  be  a  teftimony  to  you  of  all  my  words 
and  inftitutes  :  for  it  is  clear,  that  we  did  not  render  our- 
felves  worthy  of  this  honour,  that  the  oligarchy  being  efta- 
blifhed,  we  might  plunder  the  fubftance  of  others ;  but  that 
the  city  being  faved,  both  others  might  hold  their  own,  and 
gratitude  might  be  owing  to  us  from  the  multitude  of  citi- 
zens :  which  we  now  defire,  not  in  a  view  of  having  more 
than  our  right,  but  declaring  we  have  done  no  injury,  but 
ftand  to  public  oaths  and  covenants  ;  for  it  would  be  abfurd 
that  they  fhould  be  ratified  for  thofe  who  have  injured 
others,  and  free  them  from  dangers,  and  be  made  void  for 
us,  who  have  deferved  fo  well  of  the  city.  It  is  worth 
while  to  obferve  the  ftate  of  things,  and  to  reflect,  that 
covenants  have  been  the  caufe  that  fome  cities  have  been 
vexed  with  feditions,  but  have  been  the  caufe  that  ours  has 
enjoyed  greater  concord ;  which  you  reaiembring,  ought 
to  decree  what  is  juft  and  equitable. 


if 


r1 


THE    NINETEENTH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCRATES: 

ENTITLED, 

The    ^GINETIC. 


mi         — 


••MMMMs-ii*. 


\1 


C  C  2 


THE 


>«"S1 


[389] 


v 


t 


The    SUBJECT. 


/ 


T  was  called  the  Mginetic,  from  its  being 

fpokcn  in  the  ijland  of  Mgtna^  'where  this 

controverfy  was  brought  before  thejzlages.     The 

quejlion  is  about  the  inheritance  of  one  Thrafylo- 

chuSj  who  adopted  a  friend  who  had  defi'r^ed 

farticularly  weU  of  him,  made  him  his  heir, 

and  gave  him  hisfjler  for  wife.     The  baftard- 

fjier  ofThrafylochus  puts  in  her  claim  of  confan-- 

guinity,  demands  the  inheritance ,  and  endeavours 

to  invalidate  the  will  j   and  relates  her  kind 

'  asfionsy  a?id  the  friendjhip  which  Jhf  had  for 

Thrafyhchus  and  his  family. 


■1 5 


^; 


si 


THE    NINETEENTH 


Oration  of  Is  ocRATfes 


ENTITLED, 

The    -^  g  I  n  e  t  I  c, 

I  Thought,  O  men  of  -^glna !  that  Thrafylochus 
had  taken  fuch  prudent  meafures  about  his  affairs,  that 
no  one  would  oppofe  his  gifts  by  will :  but  fmce  the 
adverfaries  have  the  intention  of  contending  for  what  he 
had  fo  ftrongly  ratified,  there  is  a  neceifity  that  we  ihould 
endeavour  to  obtain  juftice  from  you.  And  though  I  fee 
others  take  it  heavily  to  be  brought  upon  any  account  un* 
juftly  into  danger;  I  am  almoft  difpofed  to  give  them 
thanks  that  they  have  commenced  this  fuit  againft  me;  for 
if  the  affair  had  not  Ltren  brought  before  the  judge,  you 
would  not  have  known  after  what  merits  I  became  the  dead 
perfon's  heir ;  but  after  the  expofition  of  all  the  fadts,  you 
will  perceive,  that  I  was  worthy  of  a  ftill  greater  reward* 
Now,  it  would  be  but  jufl,  that  fhe  who  contends  for  thefe 
goods,  fhould  not  only  endeavour  to  obtain  Thrafylochus's 
fubflance,  but  fhew,  that  (he  is  deferving  of  fucceeding  to 
his  inheritance,  upon  account  of  her  behaviour  to  him  ; 
but  fhe  is  fo  far  from  repenting  of  what  (be  did  againft  him 
in  his  life-time,  that  when  he  is  dead,  fhe  endeavours  to 
make  void  his  will,  and  ruin  his  family.  I  wonder  if  thoAf 
who  plead  for  her  think  this  ftrife  reputable,  becaufe  they 
are  to  pay  nothing,  tho*  they  be  confuted  j  for  I  think  this 
a  great  mulft,  that  perfons  are  convinced,  by  their  unjufl 

C  c  3  pre* 


390        The    ORATIONS 

prctenfions,  of  meditated  improbity ;  and  you  will  knowr 
their  malice  from  the  fads  themfelves,  when  you  have  once 
heard  them  to  the  end. 

I  WILL  begin  from  thofe  things,  whereby,  I  judge,  you 
will  moft  quickly  underftand  the  ftate  of  our  queflion. 
Thrafylochus,  the  father  of  him  who  conftituted  me  heir 
by  will,  left  no  eftate  received  from  his  anceftors;  but 
becoming  a  gueft  of  Polemaenetus  the  prophet,  he  lived  with 
him  fo  friendly,  that  this  prophet,  at  his  death,  left  him  his 
books  of  divination,  and  gave  him  likewife  a  part  of  thofe 
goods  which  now  remain.  Now,  Thrafylochus  having 
received  fuch  advantages,  ufed  this  art ;  and  becoming  a 
traveller,  dwelt  in  feveral  cities,  and  had  intimacy  with  fe- 
veral  women,  fome  of  whom  had  children,  whom  he  never 
efteemed  legitimate ;  and  in  thofe  times  took  to  him  the 
mother  of  my  adverfary :  but  after  he  had  acquired  great 
wealth,  and  defired  again  his  own  country,  he  quitted  both 
her  and  all  the  reft ;  and  having  failed  into  Siphnos,  he  mar- 
ried my  father's  fifter,  one  of  the  chief  amongft  the  citizens 
for  riches,  knowing  that  our  family  excelled  others  in 
dignity  and  other  precedencies.  Now,  he  fo  vehemently 
loved  the  friendfhip  of  my  father,  that  (he  dying  without 
children,  he  married  again  my  father's  coufm,  becaufe  he 
wouM  not  have  that  affinity  diflblvci- betwixt  us;  but  when 
he  had  not  long  cohabited  with  her,  the  fame  fate  attended 
'  her  as  the  former.  After  this,  he  married  a  wife  from  Se- 
rippos,  of  parents  more  noble  than  might  be  expelled  in 
that  ifland  ;  from  which  marriage  was  born  Sopolis,  Thra^ 
fylochus,  and  my  prefent  wife;  wherefore  Thrafylochus 
judging  thofe  his  only  legitimate  children,  having  made 
them  his  heirs,  finiflied  his  life ;  but  I  and  Thrafylochus 
having  received  fo  great  a  tranfmitted  friendfhip  from  our 
parents,  as  I  lately  mentioned,  made  itIWi  greater  than  it 
was  before.  While  we  were  ftill  boys,  we  efteemed  one 
another  more  than  brothers  ;  nor  did  wc  celebrate  a  facri-* 
(ice,  fpedacle,  or  any  other  feftival,  feparate ;  but  aftei? 
>ve  became  men,  we  never  adlcd  any  thing  in  oppofitior\ 


-:■'»■■ 


■*?:* 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       391 

to  one  another,  but  we  communicated  our  private  fenti- 
xnents,  and  were  of  the  fame  difpofitlon  in  regard  of  the 
public.  Why  need  I  dwell  longer  on  our  domeftic  familia- 
rity, when  we  could  not  be  torn  afunder  by  baniftiment- 
itfelf  ?  But  he  falling  into  a  confumption,  and  being  fick 
a  long  time,  his  brother  Sopolis  being  dead,  and  his  mother 
and  fifter  not  yet  come,  in  the  midft  of  fuch  follicitude,  I 
fo  well  and  diligently  took  care  of  him,  that  he  thought  he 
never  could  return  me  fufficient  gratitude ;  yet  he  omitted 
nothing  to  that  purpofe,  but,  being  grievoufly  tormented 
by  his  diftemper,  nor  having  any  hopes  of  life,  calling  in 
witnefr«s,  he  adopted  me,  and  gave  me  his  fifter,  and  all 
his  fubftance.     Take  the  will. 

The  will. 
Recite  me  likewife  the  iEginetic  law ;  for,  according  to  it, 
the  will  muft  have  been  made,  as  we  were  come  hither 

from  our  own  country.  , 

The  law. 

According  to  this  law,  O  menofiEgina!  Thrafy- 
lochus made  me  his  fon,  who  was  before  his  fellow-citi- 
zen and  friend,  and  educated  and  brought  up  in  the  fame 
manner  as  he  himfelf :  wherefore  I  do  not  fee  how  he  could 
have  a6ted  more  by  the  law,  which  orders  perfons  of  the 
lame  condition  to  be  adopted.  Take  likewife  the  law  of  the 
Siphnians,  by  which  we  have  been  governed  a  longtime. 

The  law. 

If  indeed,  O  i^ginetians  !  they  had  oppofed  thofe  laws 
while  they  had  that  of  their  own  people  on  their  fide,  it 
would  have  lefs  deferved  wonder  j  but  it  i^  unanimous  with 

the  other.     Take  the  book. 

The  book. 

What  have  they  now  to  fay,  fmce  they  confefs  Thra- 
fylochus left  a  -will  i  and  you  fee  no  law  patronizes  her's, 
but  all  of  them  my  plea  ?  In  the  firft  place,  that  lawr 
which  prevails  amongft  you,  who  are  to  judge;  then  the 
law  of  the  Siphnians,  amongft  whom  he  was  bom  who 
made  the  wilU  1^%>  ^^^t  which  Is  in  force  amongft  thofe, 

C  c  4  who 


S92         The     ORATIONS 

who  controvert  the  right  with  me.  And  what  crime  da 
you  think  thofe  would  abilain  from,  who  endeavour  to  per* 
fuade  you,  that  you  ought  to  render  null  a  wilJ,  tho'  the 
laws  are  in  favour  of  it,  and  you  have  fworn  to  judge  by 
thofe  laws  ?  Nov/,  I  think,  as  for  the  fad  itfelf,  I  have 
fufHciently  demonftrated  all  I  defire. 

But  Icll  any  one  fhould  imagine,  that  I  obtained  the 
inheriunce  for  flight  reafons,  or  that  fhe,  tho*  (he  had  be* 
baved  herfelf  towards  Thrafylochus  as  fhe  ought,  was  dc^ 
fi-auded  of  his  fortune,  I  will  explain  myfelf  on  thefe.heads; 
for  I  {hould  be  afhamed  for  the  dead,  unlefs  you  all  believe, 
that  he  has  not  only  done  this  by  law,  but  likewife,  in  tiic 
nature  of  the  thing,  juftly.     I  think  the  proofs  are  ready ; 
f  jr  they  were  fo  at  variance,  that  this  woman,  who  pleads 
her  confanguinitv,  continued  always  to  carry  on  enormous 
difputes  with  him.,  with  Sopoldis,  and  their  mother :  but 
I  (hall  not  only  be  found  to  have  deferved  well  in  regard 
of  Thrafylochus  and  his  brother,  but  likewife  in  regard  of 
the  eftate  in  controverfy,  above  all  his  other  friends  fiho*  it 
will  be  troublcfome  to  fpeak  of  things  a  long  time  pafTed; 
for  when  all  the  fubftance  which  he  had  ready  and  together 
was  lodge'd  with  my  guefts  (for  we  judged  that  ifland  the 
fafeft),  others  doubting,  and  believing  the  goods  loft,  I 
paiTing  by  night  in  a  veflel,  exported  thofe  fums,  not  with-» 
out  the  hazard  of  my  body ;  for  the  place  was  guarded  by 
the  king's  garriibn,  and  fome  of  our  exiles  had  entered  the 
city,  who,  in  one  day,  flew  with  their  own  hands  my  fa- 
ther, uncle,  and  befides  thofe,  three  coufms  :  but  nothing 
of  this  deterred  me,  but  I  pafled  over  in  a  fhip,  thinking  I 
ought  to  undergo  danger  for  them,  as  well  as  myfelf.     Af- 
terwards, when  there  was  a  general  flight  of  the  inhabitants 
from  the  city,  with  fuch  tumult  and  trepidation,  that  fome 
deferted  friends  and  relations,  even  in  fuch  calamities  I  did 
not  think  it  fufficient  to  fave  my  domeflics ;  but  knowing 
Sopolis  was  abroad,  and  fick,  I  carried  ofFfafe  his  mother^ 
fiftcr,  and  all  the  riches  with  them.     Now,  who  is  it  more 
«*ii  equitable 


\^^ 


^ 


of    I  8  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      j^j 

•ijttitable  fhould  poflefs  them  than  he  who  then  preferved 
them,  and  has  now  received  them  from  the  owners  ?  ^ 

And  thofe  things  I  have  now  mentioned  are  fuch,  as  in " 
regard  of  which  I  ran  hazards  indeed,  but  received  no  harmj 
but  I  have  ftili  to  mention,  that,  by  endeavouring  to  gra* 
tify  him,  I  fell  into  the  greateft  calamities :  for  when  wc 
were  come  to  Melos,  and  he  perceived  we  were  to  flay 
there,  he  b^ged  of  us  that  we  would  fail  to  Traezene^  and 
not  leave  him  y  mentioning  the  infirmity  of  his  body,  and 
the  multitude  of  his  enemies,  and  how,  without  me,  he 
could  determine  nothing  about  his  aflfairs.     Tho'  my  mo- 
ther was  afraid,  becaufe  fhe  heard  that  place  was  unhealthy, 
and  friends  advifed  me  to  remain  there,  yet  we  judged  pro- 
per to  comply  with  him ;  and  we  no  fooner  reached  almofl 
Traezene,  but  we  were  feized  by  diftempers,  and  I  had  like 
to  have  perifhcd  :  but  as  for  my  fifter,  who  was  fourteen 
years  old,  I  buried  her  within  thirty  days,  and  my  mother 
not  iivQ  days  after.    What  mufl  the  difpofition  of  my  mind 
be,  do  you  think,  upon  fuch  a  change  in  my  life  ?  who 
formerly  was  unexperienced  in  calamities,  but  lately  had 
been  forced  into  banifhment,  to  be  a  fojourner,  and  paft 
without  the  aiTiftanqe  of  my  own  wealth.     Add  to  this,  that 
J  faw  my  mother  and  fifter  driven  from  their  couritry,  and 
ending  tlieir  lives  in  a  foreign  land,  and  amongft  flrangers  : 
wherefore  none  can  juftly  envy  me,  if  I  have  received  fome 
benefit  from  the  eflate  of  Thrafylochus ;  for  in  a  view  of 
gratifying  him,  living  abroad  at  Trsezenef  I  was  afflicSlcd 
with  fuch  calamities,  as  I  fhall  never  forget.     But  my  ene- 
mies have  not  this  to  fay  of  me,  that  while  Thrafylochus 
was  well,  I  underwent  this,  but,  when  he  became  burden- 
fome,  I  deferted  him,     This  they  cannot  fay ;  for,  in  his 
adverfity,  I  fhewed  more  evidently  the  love  I  had  for  him. 
After  he  went  abroad  to  i^gina,  and  fell  into  that  diflem- 
per  of  which  he  died,  I  took  fuch  care  of  him,  as  I  know 
not  whether  any  other  ever  did  of  a  friend;  tho'  he  was  verf 
ill  HKjfl  of  the  time,  not  able  to  appear  in  public,  and  con-* 

fined  for  (iH  months  to  his  bed  3  and  none  of  his  relation! 

would 


394       The    ORATIONS 

would  be  partakers  of  fuch  mifery,  or  even  come  to  fee 
him,  except  his  mother  and  fifler,  who  increafed  the  other 
calamity;  for  they  came  fo  fick  torn  Traszene,  that  they 
flood  in  need  themfelves  of  a  cure,  and  attendance.     But 
tho*  others  proved  fuch  towards  him,  I  was  never  abfent,  or 
wearied;  but  I  watched  by  him,  with  one  boy,  during  his 
illnefs,  no  one  of  the  domeftics  being  able  to  endure  it ;  for 
being  naturally  morofe,  he  became  more  fo  in  his  diftem- 
per :  ^wherefore  it  is  no  wonder  they  would  not  continue  in 
fuch  fervice ;  but  it  is  more  to  be  wondered  at,  how  I  could 
fiifBce  in  attending  him  through  fo  long  a  ftage  of  ficknefs, 
who  laboured  a  long  time  under  a  confumption,  and  could 
not  be  moved  out  of  bed,  and  fufFered  fo  much,  that  we 
paiTed  not  one  day  without  tears ;  but  continued  lamenting 
one  another's  labours,  our  exile,  and  daily  foUicitude  :  and 
this, was  never  intermitted;  nor  could  I  go  away  any  where, 
for  fear  of  feeming  to  n€gle(^  him,  which  was  more  grie« 
vous  to  me  than  the  prefent  calamities.     I  wifii  I  could 
make  evident  to- you  my  behaviour  towards  him.     Now,  all 
Ae  greateft  difficulties  in  attendance  during  ficknefs,  the 
particular  troubles  which  have  the  moft  difpleafuig  tediouf- 
Jiefs,  and  the  clofeft  care,  cannot  be  conveniently  men- 
tioned ;  but  do  you  confider  with  yourfelves,  what  watch- 
ings  and  miferies  I  muft  have  fuffered  in  fo  long  a  care  and 
attendance  during  his  illnefs ;  for  I  was  fo  indifpofed  my- 
ielf,  that  all  thafe  friends  who  came  to  vifit  me,  iaid  they 
were  afraid  left  I  (hould  perifh  with  him  ;  and  counfelled 
tne  f o  take  care,  for  that  many  who  had  waited  on  perfons 
in  fuch  a  diftempcr,  have  died  with  them.     To  whom  I 
anfwered,  that  I  had  far  rather  die,  than  let  him  die  before 
hie  time  for  want  of  due  care. 

•  And  tho'  I  was  fuch  in  his  regard,  dares  this  woman 
contend  with  me  for  his  eftate  ?  fhe,  who  did  not  once 
vouchfave  to  vifit  him,  tho'  he  was  fick  fb  long  a  time,  and 
(be  daily  heard  how  he  did,  and  the  journey  was  eafy  for 
ht{  ?  Will  fhe  attempt  to  call  him  by  the  name  of  bro- 
Itrer  ?  as  if,  the  more  familiarly  ti;uy  fliie  him  now  he  is. 
«"-        .  '        '  dead. 


1 1 


*-'-Ai 


^< 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S-        395 

dead,  they  will  not  feem  to  have  committed  the  more  atrocc 
and  heinous  crimes  againft  him.  This  woman,  when  he 
had  ended  his  life,  having  feen  as  many  of  our  citizens  as 
were  at  Trsezene  failing  to  iEgina,  that  they  might  bury 
him,  came  not  even  at  that  time  ;  but  behaved  herfelf  fo 
cruelly  and  inhumanly,  as  not  to  deign  to  be  at  his  burial  j 
but,  in  lefs  than  ten  days,  {he  came  to  begin  a  controverfy 
about  his  fubftance,  as  if  (he  had  been  not  fo  much  related 
to  him  as  his  money.  But  if  fhe  will  confefs,  that  there 
was  fuch  variance  betwixt  them,  that  (he  did  this  juftly, 
Thrafylochus  did  not  imprudently  confult  his  own  intereft, 
if  he  chofe  rather  to  leave  his  eftate  to  friends,  than  to  an 
enemy ;  or  if,  when  there  was  no  enmity  betwixt  them, 
(he  was  fo  negligent  and  wicked  towards  him,  it  is  cer- 
tainly more  reafonable  that  (he  fhould  have  been  deprived  of 
his  goods,  than  to  have  been  made  his  heir.  But  do  you 
confider  in  yourfelves,  that,  as  much  as  it  depended  upon 
her,  he  neither  would  have  had  attendance  nor  a  de- 
cent funeral ;  and  that  he  had  both  by  my  means.  Now, 
it  becomes  you  to  pafs  your  fentence,  not  fo  much  regard- 
ing if  fome  fay  they^are  the  neareft  relations  to  him,  while 
in  fa6l  they  were  enemies,  as  confidering  thofe,  who,  tho* 
they  had  not  the  name  of  relationfhip,  yet  behaved  them- 
felves more  friendly  in  calamities  than  relations  themfelves. 
They  fay,  they  do  not  deny  that  Thrafylochus  left  this 
will ;  but  that  it  is  not  well  and  lawfully  made.  But,  O 
men  of  iEgina  I  how  could  any  man  have  with  greater 
prudence  confulted  about  his  affairs  than  he,  who  neither 
left  his  family  deftitute,  nor  negleded  gratitude  to  his 
friends  ?  who,  befides,  made  his  mother  and  fifter  poflef- 
fors  not  only  of  his  own,  but  of  my  eftate  likewife,  having 
given  me  the  one  for  wife,  and,  by  adoption,  made  me  the 
fbn  of  the  other.  Had  he  done  more  wifely,  if  he  had  ap- 
pointed no  one  to»take  care  of  his  mother ;  had  made  no 
mention  of  me,  but  had  trufted  his  fifter  to  fortune,  and 
fufFered  his  family  to  be  deprived  even  of  a  name?  But, 
perhaps,  I  vvas  unworthy  of  being  adopted  by  Tbrafylo- 

I  chus. 


396       The    ORATIONS 

chus,  and  having  his  fifter  in  marriage.  Now,  all  the 
Siphnians  will  witncfs,  that  my  anceflors  were  the  chief  of 
their  citizens  in  nobility,  riches,  and  honour.  For  who 
were  judged  worthy  of  more  honourable  magillracies  r  who 
conferred  more  on  the  city,  more  fplendidly  acquitted 
themfclves  in  their  aedileftiips,  or  behaved  more  magnlf:- 
ceiitly  in  other  public  offices  ?  Wherefore  Thrafylochus* 
tho'  I  had  never  fpoken  with  him,  would  juftly  have  given 
me  his  fifter ;  and  I,  tho'  I  had  had  none  of  thefe  advan- 
tages, but  had  been  the  loweft  of  the  citizens,  would,  upon 
account  of  the  benefits  I  did  him,  have  been  juftly  efteem- 
cd  worthy  of  the  greateft  recompences.  I  believe,  that  he 
particularly  gratified  his  brother  Sopolis  when  he  difpofed 
things  in  this  manner ;  for  he  hated  her,  and  thought  her 
bis  enemy,  while  he  efteemed  me  the  moft  of  all  his 
friends.  He  fliewed  this  both  in  many  other  regards,  and 
when  it  was  agreed  by  the  partners  in  exile,  to  endeavour, 
with  the  auxiliaries,  to  regain  the  city ;  for  having  been 
chofen  leader  with  the  greateft  power,  he  made  me  his 
fecretary  and  his  pay-mafter  ;  and  when  we  were  going  to 
give^battle,  he  placed  me  by  himfelf.  And  do  you  now  con- 
fider  of  what  fervice  it  was  to  him  >  for  we  having  bad  fuc- 
cefs  in  the  attack  of  Siphnos,  and  our  retreat  not  being  fuch 
as  we  could  wifh,  bearing  him  with  a  fervant  on  my  {boul- 
ders, after  he  was  wounded,  and  began  to  faint,  I  brought 
hm  to  the  fhip  :  wherefore  he  faid  frequently,  and  before 
fevcral,  that  1  was  the  only  man  of  all,  who  had  faved  his* 
life.  Now,  what  benefaction  can  be  greater  than  this  ? 
Afterwards,  when  having  failed  to  Lycia,  he  died  there, 
this  woman,  a  few  days  after  the  news  of  his  death,  facri- 
ficed,  and  had  a  feftival ;  nor  was  aftiamed,  tho'  the  bro- 
ther of  him  was  living,  whofe  death  (he  fo  little  regarded. 
But  I  lamented  him,  as  is  cuftomary  to  mourn  for  rela- 
tions ;  and  I  did  all  this  by  my  own  inclinations,  and  for 
the  friendftiip  I  bore  him,  and  not  in  fear  of  this  judgment; 
for  I  did  not  think  at  that  time,  that  both  would  die  with- 
p^t  children,  and  leave  this  eftate  to  ihewa  how  each  of 

us 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        397 

MS  had  behaved  towards  them.  And  you  have  almoft  fuf- 
ficiently  heard  how  I  and  ftie  were  aftcded  towards  Thra- 
fylochus  and  S'opolis. 

Perhaps  they  will  have  recourfe  to  that  pretence  which 
remains  them,  that  Thrafylochus,  the  father  of  this  wo- 
man, will  think.it  an  atrocious  injuftice  (if  the  dead  have 
any  fenfe  of  what  is  done  here),  (hould  his  daughter  be 
deprived,  and  I  rendered  heir  of  what  he  had  got  together. 
But  I  judge  it  equitable,  that  we  fhould  not  reafon  from 
thofe  who  have  been  a  long  time  dead,  but  from  thofe  who 
are  latelv  fo  s  for  Thrafylochus  (the  father)  left  whom  he 
chufed  mafters  of  his  eftate.     Now,  it  is  juft  you  (hould 
allow  Thrafylochus  (the  fon)  the  fame  right;  and  that  thofe 
fliould  be  conftituted  (not  ftie)  his  fucceflbrs,  whom  he  ap- 
pointed.    Nor  do  I  think  we  need  decline  the  judgment  of 
Thrafylochus  himfelf;   for,  I  fuppofe,  he  would  be  the 
fevereft  judge  of  all  againft  her,  did  he  know  her  behaviour 
to  his  children,  and  would  be  far  from  refcntment  that  you 
give  your  fentences  according  to  the  laws ;  but  would  re- 
fent  it  highly  did  you  make  void  the  wills  of  his  children  : 
for  had  he  transferred  his  riches  to  my  family,  they  might 
have  blamed  him  for  it;  but  he  has  conferred  them  upon 
his  own  family  in  fuch  a  manner,  that  they  have  not  re- 
ceived lefs  than  he  gave.     Befides,  it  is  probable  no  one  is 
lefs  favourable  to  my  advcrfary's  plea  than  Thrafylochus  ; 
for  he  learned  his  art  from  Polemxtus  the  prophet,  and  was 
heir  to  his  money,  not  on  account  of  relationftiip,  but  of 
merit:  wherefore  he  of  all  others  will  Icaft  envy,  if  another, 
having  well  deferved  of  his  children,  (hould  obtain  the  fame 
benefit,  which  he  himfelf  was  judged  worthy  of.     You 
(hould  remember  likewife  thofe  things  which  were  fpoken 
in  the  beginning  ;  for  I  ftiewed  you  there,  that  he  fo  highly 
efteemed  our  friendftiip  and  alliance,  that  he  married  my 
fifter  and  coufin.    Now,  to  whom  would  he  fooner  have 
given  his  daughter,  than  to  that  family,  in  which  he  mar- 
ried his  own  wife  ?     And  in  what  family  would  he  more 
willingly  have  feen  a  fon  adopted  according  to  law,  than  in 

that 


39«     The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S,  &c. 

that,  from  wHich  he  would  have  had  his  own  children  de- 
rived ?     Wherefore,  if  you  decree  the  inheritance  mine, 
you  will  gratify  him,  and  all  whomliis  intereft  concerns; 
but,  fhould  you  be  perfuaded  and  deceived  by  her,  you  will 
not  only  do  me  an  injury,  but  Thrafylochus,  who  left  the 
will,  Sopolis,  and  his  fifter,  who  lives  with  me,  as  well  as 
his  mother ;  who  will  be  the  moft  wretched  of  women,  if 
flie  is  not  only  to  be  deprived  of  l?er  children,  but  fufFer  this 
additional  grief,  to  fee  their  wills  made  null,  her  family 
deferred,  and  this  woman  infulting  in  her  calamities,  carry 
away  the  money  from  this  judgment,  and  myfelf  obtaining 
no  equity,  who  have  conferred  fo  many  benefits  on  thofc 
who  faved  him  :  wherefore,  if  any  one  fhould  not  confider 
her,  but  thofe  who  ever  contended  about  a  donation,  I 
fhall  be  found  inferior  in  right  to  no  one ;  and  it  is  certain, 
that  fuch  ought  rather  to  be  honoured,  and  greatly  efteem- 
ed,  than  have  free  gifts  extorted  from  them.     It  is  juft 
likewife  to  defend  the  law,  by  which  we  are  permitted  to 
adopt  children,  and  determine  as  we  pleafe  of  our  own 
poiTeiTions,  refleding,  that  this  law  is  to  childlefs  perfons 
inftead  of  children.     By  this  means,  thofe  who  are  related, 
and  thofe  who  are  not  fo,  take  more  care  of  one  another. 

But  to  conclude,  nor  delay  time  any  longer,  confider 
upon  what  juft  and  equitable  pretences  I  come  before  you. 
In  the  firft  place,  my  friendfhip  for  thofe  who  have  left  the 
inheritance,  which  friendfhip  was  ancient,  and   handed 
down  from  our  forefathers,  and  continued  always.     Se- 
condly, thofe  many  and  great  benefits  which  I  conferred  on 
the  calamitous.     Thirdly,  the  will  acknowledged  by  the 
adverfaries.     And,   laftly,  the  law,   which  feems  to  the 
Greeks  juftly  eftabliflied ;  which  this  is  the  greateft  fign 
of;  for  they  think  differently  of  other  laws,  but  all  think 
ihe  fame  concerning  this.     I  therefore  befeech  you,  that> 
for  thefe  reafons,  and  thofe  given  before,  you  will  decree 
what  is  juft,  and  be  to  me  fuch  judges,  as  you  would  de- 
ire  others  to  be  to  yourfelves. 


.v» 


«1- 


f.' 


*-f 


THE    TWENTIETH 


ORATION 


O  F 


ISOCR AXES 


ENTITLED, 


Againft  L  o  c  H  i  x  E  s 


v^ 

<••<. 


■  J     "t      f 


THE 


[  401  ] 


The    SUBJECT. 


fM 


'J       . 


^  jd  Cerfain  per/on  having  been  beaten  by  Lo^ 
^'  chiles,  he  exaggerates  the  ifijury,  4?id  eji- 
decPbours  tiyftrfumde  the  judges  feverely  td-fdiiijh 
htm,  a  contemner  of  the  laws,  and  cvej-turner  of 
the  popular  Jlate.  The  begi?ining  is  abrupt, 
whereby  we  may  judge  itfpoken  in  the  fecond  place 
C5  a  peroration.  It  is  more  like  a  youthful  ^- 
elamation  than  a  pleadings  on  ttc count  of  its  f re-- 
quent  hyperboles. 


J. 


\  1 


THE    TWENTIETH 

Oration  of  Isocrates: 

ENTITLED, 

Againft  L  o  c  h  i  t  e  ». 

THAT  Lochites  firft  laid  his  wicked  hands  on  me, 
and  ftruck  me,  all  who  are  prefent  have  borne 
witnefs.  You  ought  not  to  think  this  crime  of 
a  fimilar  nature,  nor  judge  the  hurt  of  the  body  worthy 
only  of  the  fame  punifhment  as  an  injury  in  money.  You 
know  that  the  body  is  moft  clofely  united  to  usj  and  that 
we  have  made  laws,  contend  for  liberty,  defire  a  demo- 
cracy, and  do  all  thofe  things  which  concern^Ife,  on  its 
'account:  wherefore  it  is  juft  that  you  fhould  inflid  the 
fevereft  punifhment  on  thofe,  who  violate  that  which  you 
moft  efteem.  You  will  find  thofe  who  have  inftituted  laws 
to  have  taken  the  greateft  care  of  the  body.  In  the  firfl 
place^  on  this  account  only,  in  regard  of  all  injuries,  they 
would  have  both  private  and  public  caufes  profecuted  with- 
out any  pledge  of  fatisfying  for  the  iflue,  that  as  every  one 
of  us  could,  and  had  a  mind,  he  might  take  vengeance  on 
thofe  who  do  fuch  an  injury.  Befides,  in  all  other  accufa- 
tions,  the  guilty  is  only  obnoxious  to  be  profecuted  by 
him,  who  has  fuffered  prejudice ;  but,  in  regard  of  contu- 
mely, as  for  a  crime  againft  the  public,  it  is  permitted  any 
of  the  citzens,  by  propofmg  the  aftair  in  writing  to  the  fix 
magiftratesj  to  come  before  you :  for  they  judged  it  fuch  a 

Y)  d  heinous 


402        The    ORATIONS 

heinous  crime  that  any  one  ftiould  be  ftruck  by  another, 
th-t  they  made  fuch  a  law  about  abufive  words  only,  viz. 
that  he  who  fpoke  any  thing  forbidden,  fhould  be  fined  five 
hundred  draehmaes.  Now,  what  puniihment  then  is  it 
juft  to  take  of  thofe,  who  have  made  others  fufFer  by  adlion, 
when  it  is  certain  you  are  fo  inflamed  with  indignation 
againft  thofe,  who  have  only  injured  others  in  words :  and 
it  would  be  wonderful  if  you  judged  thofe  who  were  thus 
injurious  in  the  oligarchy  worthy  of  death,  but  let  thofe  go 
free,  who  do  the  fame  as  they  in  a  democracy.  But  thefe 
Ihould  undergo  defervedly  a  greater  punifhment ;  for  they 
certainly  prove  more  deafly  their  improbity  :  for  he  who 
dares  to  trefpafs  contrary  to  law  againft  citizens,  when  it 
is  not  permitted,  what,  I  pray,  would  he  not  have  done, 
when  thofe  who  governed  it,  would  have  thought  them- 
fehes  obliged  to  thofe  who  did  fuch  things  ? 

Perhaps  Lochites  will  endeavour  to  make  this  appear 
a  fmall  matter,  by  ridiculing  the  accufation,  and  faying, 
that  I  fufFered  nothing  of  harm  by  the  blows  j  but  that  I 
make  more  words  about  them,  than  the  fubje£l  requires. 
Was  there  no  difgrace  added  to  what  I  have  fufFered,  I 
would  never  have  come  before  you :  but  now  I  do  not  come 
upon  account  of  the  damage  done  me  by  blows,  but  upon 
account  of  the  infamous  injury,  to  demand  juflice  from 
you  y  for  which  it  is  reafonable  that  free  men  fhould  have 
the  greateft  refentment,  and  take  the  fevereft  vengeance. 
I  fee  that  you,  when  any  one  is  guilty  of  facrilege  or  theft, 
do  not  inflr£l  punifhment  according  to  the  value  of  the 
things  he  has, taken  away;  but  punifh   all  equally  with 
death  ;  and  think,  that  thofe  who  have  attempted  the  fame 
a<ltions,  (hould  be  liable  to  the  fame  penalties.    You  ought 
Ivkewifc  to  be  of  the  fame  difpofition  toward*  the  contume- 
lious, nor  confider  this,  whether  they  have  violently  beaten 
any  one,  but  whether  they  have  violated  the  law  j  nor  pu- 
niikjy^emj^v^^ 

V'  -«3f-JilW2KaSH^^  that  (m-Al 

motives  have  been  the  caufes  of  great  evils  ;  and  that  many 

foreigners^ 


/ 


.  \ 


^ 


1(1 


of    i  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.  .      403 

foreigners,  as  well  as  citizens,  on  account  of  thofe  who 
dared  to  flrike  them,  were  fo  inflamed  with  anger,  that  th^ 
proceeded  to  flaughter,  death,  and  the  cruelefl  aflaiTmations. 
Nothing  of  which  was  avoided  as  far  as  lay  in  the  power  of 
this  man :  for,  as  to  him,  all  that  has  been  faid  before  was 
done  ;  but  by  fortune^  and  my  moderation,  nothing  of  an 
irremediable  calamity  happened^ 

I  JUDGE  you  will  be  juflly  filled  with  indignation,  if  you 
refledl  with  yourfelves  how  much  greater  this  injury  is 
thfen  any  other :  you  will  find,  that  other  injuries  are  im- 
pediments only  in  regard  of  a  part  of  our  livelihood  ;  but 
that  this  contumely  prejudices  us  in  all ;  that  many  families 
have  been  ruined  for  itj  and  many  cities  overturned.  And 
why  need  I  mention  at  large  foreign  calamities  ?  We  have 
twice  feen  the  democracy  diflblved,  and  have  been  twice 
deprived  of  liberty,  not  by  foch  as  were  guilty  of  other 
crimes,  but  by  thofe  who  defpifed  others,  and  would  ferve 
the  enemy,  while  they  infulted  over  their  fellow-citizemj 
of  whom  this  man  is  one  ;  for  tho'  he  is  younger  than  thofe 
times,  yet  he  'has  the  difpofition  of  them ;  for  fuch  wefe 
their  tempers  who  betrayed  the  city's  power  to  the  enemy, 
deftroyed  its  walls^  and  put  to  death  fifteen  hundred  citi- 
zens, without  hearing  their  caufes.  All  which  you  ought 
to  remember,  and  not  only  punifh  thofe  who  hurt  you^  but 
likewife  thofe  who  would  reduce  the  republic  to  the  like 
condition.  And  you  fhould  more  feverely  punifh  thofe* 
who 
"3onc 

ofniture  evils,  than  to'tate  piinrffiment  for  thole  already 
cone*  Nor  ought  you  to  wait  till  fuch  men  getting  togc^ 
ther,  and  finding  an  opportunity,  trefpafs  againfl  the  whole 
city ;  but  punifh  them  feverely  for  whatever  caufes  tlvcy 
are  brought  before  you ;  thinking  it  an  advantage,  when 
you  have  caught  fome  perfon,  who,  in  fmall  matters,  has 
fhewed  all  his  improbity.  It  would  be  a  mofl  happy  thing, 
was  there  fome  other  mark  of  wicked  citizens,  that  you 
might  punifh  them  before  they  had  injured  any  other  citi- 


I 


D  d 


zens5 


404       The     O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

zens  ;  but  becaufe  this  cannot  be  found  out  before  fomtf 
one  has  fuffercd  harm  from  them,  certainly,  after  they  arc 
known,  they  ought  all  to  be  hated,  ^nd  judged  common 
enemies.  Reflect  alfo  on  the  dangers  which  occur  in  regard 
of  private  fortunes,  that  the  poor  have  no  ihare,  and  yet- 
they  are  equally  liable  to  the  injuries  of  their  bodies :  where- 
fore, when  you  punifh  defrauders,  you  only  affift  the  opu- 
lent j  but  when  you  reftrain  infults,  you  benefit  yourfelves, 
and  all.  Wherefore  thefe  judgments  fhould  be  highly 
elleemed,  which,  in  regard  of  contrads,  condemn  one  party 
to  the  payment  of  as  much  as  it  is  juft  the  accufcr  fliould 
receive  ;  but,  in  cafes  of  infult,  to  fo  much  as  will  reftrain 
the  euilty  from  ever  committing  the  like:  wherefore,  if 
you  aboHih  that  cuftom  of  only  fining  thofe  in  money>- 
who  oftend  by  youthful  iniblence,  and  determine  no  chaf- 
--tTfcmefrtHretrm"'tn^rMi^T)T'tT^  corhfnit  injuftic^. 

"^" — agaTnTTotFelrs  bodies,  you  will  have  performed  all  that  be-. 
-t:omes^tht)fe'\<rhojtidge  wifely  ;?br  you  will  give  fentencc 
juftly  in  the  f  reTent  cafe,  will  render  other  citizens  more 
modeft,  and  make  your  own  lives  more  fecure.  Now,  it 
is  the  part  of  prudent  judges,  by  giving  their  voices  in 
others  caufes,  to  fecure  their  own  aftairs. 

And  let  no  one  of  you  think,  regarding  this,  that  I  am 
poor,  and  one  of  commoniility,  that  he  Ihould  lellen  the 
full  penalty  ;  for  it  is  not  juil  to  take  lefs  punifhment  for 
the  fake  of  obfcure  men,  than  for  the  Ctke  of  more  noted  ; 
nor  to  judge  the  poor  worfe  by  nature  than  the  rich  :  for 
you  will  fix  a  mark  of  ignominy  on  yourfelves,  if  you  judge 
fo.  Befides.il  would  be  the  hijgiiejj  inkiftice,^ jiV  ^*ow  a 
dernoci^ifY  is  conftituted,  wc  mould  not  all  have  oik^  com- 
monjaw;  but  tnink  ourielvcs  even  worthy  ot  the  magi- 
Tfracy,  and  yet  deprive  ourfclves  of  thofe  rights  we  have 
by  our  country's  conliitution  ^  and  if  all  of  us  are  equally 
difpcf^xi  tp  die  in  battle  for  our  country,  aiid  yet,  in  pall- 
ing our  fentences,  attribute  nuore  to  tb<;fe  who  arc  richefl:. 
But,  if  you  will  lilten  to  me,  you  will  not  thus  be  aitected 
towards  yourfelves,  nor  >\iu  be  authoKs,  that  young  men 

contema 


/ 


^m 


/.5r> 


■4.- 


^ ; 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       405 

contemn  the  body  of  the  citizens,  nor  judge  fuch  caufes 
unrelated  to  you ;  but,  as  if  each  pleaded  his  own  caufe, 
will  give  in  your  verdia  :  for  they  equally  injure  all,  who 
dare  to  violate  that  law,  which  contains  the  fafety  of  all. 
Wherefore,  if  you  are  wife,  mutually  encouraging  one  an- 
other, (hew  your  refentment  againft  Lochites,  confcious 
that  all  fuch  defpife  thofe  laws  which  have  been  ena£led, 
but  efteem  what  is  done  here  of  the  higheft  fandlion.     I 
have  exprefTed  myfclf  as  well  as  I  was  able  on  the  prefent 
occafion  j  but  if  any  one  of  my  advocates  prefent  has  any 
thing  which  may  further  help  my  caufe,  let  him  come  fiprth, 
and  fpeak  before  you. 


Dd  3 


THE 


,1  s^ 


■iS 


^^ 


f'V-' 


1*1 


THE    TWENTY-FIRST 


ORATION 


O  F 


IS  O  C  RAT  ES 


ENTITLED, 


The  Cause  without  a  Wi  t  n  e  s  s 


ft  - 


■sS.*;, 


D  d  4 


[  389  ] 


The     SUBJECT. 

JT  IS  fo  called,  hecaufe  it  is  grounded  upon  no 
^itnefs ;  but  th  truth  is  to  be  judged  of  by 
corj^eiures ;  for  when  the  thirty  tyrants  were  in 
power  at  Athens,  Nicias  being  projcribed,  depo- 
fited  three  talents  with  Euthy?ius,  without  any 
witneffes,  who,  upon  his  re-demand  of  it,  re- 
cei'ved  but  two,  and  Euthymis  kept  back  the 
ether.  The  controverfy  confijh  in  this;  which  is 
more  probable,  that  Nicias  J}:ould  claim  what  he 
never  tru/led,  or  Euthynus  rejerve  what  he  had 
received  ?^  This  oration  is  very  ingenious,  and 
has  been  jvjily  admired  on  that  account. 


'■■3: 


4 


\ 


\i< 


C  lA 


,W^-'-T 


.THE    T  W  E  N  T  Y-F I  R  S  T 


>  • 


Oration  of  Iso  crates: 


ENTITLED, 

The  Cause  without  aWiTNEss. 

I  HAVE  ajuft  reafon  for  pleading  this  caufe  of  Nicias  ; 
for  he  is  my  friend,  hasdcfired  it  of  me,  has  been  in- 
jured, and  is  ignorant  of  pleading :  wherefore,  by  all 
thefe  reafons,  I  am  obliged  to  fpeak  in  his  ftead.  How  his 
contrail  with  Euthynus  happened,  I  will  explain  to  you  in 
as  few  words  as  I  am  capable.  , 

,  ,This  Nicias  therefore,  after  the  thirty  tyrants  were 
cftabliflied,  and  his  enemies  had  expunged  him  out  of  the 
city,  and  written  him  down,  amongft  others,  in  Pifander's 
catalogue,  diffident  of  his  fafety,  he  depofited  his  fubftance, 
fent  his  fervants  abroad,  brou^iht  his  furniture  to  me,  and 
entrufted  three  talents  to  Euthynus  3  ^nd  retiring  into  the 
country,  continued  there.  But  not  long  after,  having  a 
mind  to  go  thence  in  a  fhip,  he  a(ked  his  money  of  Euthy- 
pus,  Euthynus,  upon  this,  reftores  two  talents  ;  but  de- 
nies the  third.  Nicias  therefore  had  nothing  more  that  he 
could  do  at  that  time  -,  but  coming  to  his  friends,  he  accu- 
fed  him,  complained  to  them,  and  told  them  what  he  had 
fuffered  ;  but  he  fo  valued  him,  and  was  fo  apprehenfivc  of 
the  circumflancesof  thofe  tim^s,  that,  if  he  had  been  de- 
prived of  a  little,  he  Vvould  much  fooner  have  held  his 
tongue,  than,  had  he  lofl  nothing,  ever  accufed  him  :  and 
thefe  were  the  things  juft  as  they  happened.     Our  caufe  is 

involved 


4IO      The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S 

involved  in  difficulty ;  for  neither  free  perfon  nor  flave  was 
prefent  with  Nicias,  either  when  he  depofited  or  received 
the  money:  wherefore  it  is  not  poffible  that  you  (hould 
know  the  truth  either  by  queftions  or  witneflcs ,  but  it  is 
necelTvy  that  we  fhould  plead  by  probable  arguments,  and 
you  judge  thereby  which  of  us  fpeaks  truth. 

I  JUDGE  all  know,  that  thofe  who  are  (killed  in  fpeak- 
ing,  but  pofTefs  nothing,  are  moft  fubjedt  to  calumniate 
^thers  who  cai^not  h^angue,  but  are  able  to  pay  money. 
Now,  Nicias  pofTefles  more  tly^i  Euthynus ;  but  is  lels 
knowing  in  eloquence :  wherefore  there  is  no  caufe  why 
he  (hould  be  incited  to  accufe  Euthynus  unjuftly ;  but,  by 
the  nature  of  the  thing,  one  may  perceive,  that  it  is  more 
probable  that  Euthynus  would  deny  what  he  had  received, 
than  that  Nicias  would  require  what  he  had  not  given ;  for 
it  is  a  certain  truth,  that  all  men  commit  injuftice  for  the 
fake  of  gain  :  and  thofe  indeed,  who  defraud  others,  have 
thofe  things  for  which  they  a6l  unjuftly  ;  but  they  who  ac- 
cufe, know  not  whether  they  fhaU  receive  any  thing  by  it. 
Befides,  when  things  were  uncertain  in  the  city,  and  there 
were  no  judgments,  no  advantage  could  have  accrued  to 
Nicias,  had  he  accufed  him ;  whereas  the  other  could  have 
been  in  no  fear,  tho'  he  had  defrauded  :  wherefore  it  is  no 
wonder,  if,  when  thofe  who  had  borrowed  money  before 
witnefTes,  denied  it,  he  (hould  at  fuch  a  time  deny  what 
he  alone  received  from  the  other  in  private.     But  it  is 
hot  congruous  that  this  perfon  (when  even  thofe  to  whom 
money  was  juftly  owing  could  not  cxad:  it,  (hould  imagine 
he  could  acquire  any  thing  by  accufmg  Euthynus  ;  but  it  is 
eafy  to  perceive,  that  if  nothing  had  hindered,  and  that  he 
both  could  and  would  have  calumniated,  he  would  the  laft 
of  any  have  accufed  Euthynus ;  for  thofe  who  defign  fuch 
things,  begin  not  with  their  friends,  but,  with  them,  in- 
vade others,  and  accufe  fuch  as  they  neither  refpecl  nor 
fear,  and  fuch  as  are  indeed  rich,  but  deftitute  of  friends, 
and  unfit  for  bufinefs  and  contention.     But  the  contrary  is 
foQnd  in  Euthj'nus  3  for  he  is  the  coufm  of  Nicias,  and  has 

more 


-Ik' 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  S.        411 

more  eloquence  and  experience  than  he.     Befides,  Euthy- 
nus has  a  fmall  fortune,  but  many  friends  ;  wherefore  there 
is  no  perfon  whom  Nicias  would  not  focxner  have  attempted 
than  him ;  nay,  it  feems  to  me,  who  have  known  their 
familiarity,  that  Euthynus  would  not  have  injured  Nicias 
if  he  could  have  defrauded  another.  But  there  is  one  (imple 
caufe  of  this  affair ;  it  is  permitted  to  accufe  any  one  you 
pleafe  to  pitch  on  j  but  it  is  not  poffible  to  defraud,  except 
the  perfon  who  has  trufted  a  depofit :  wherefore,  I  fay, 
Nicias,  had  he  had  an  inclination  to  calumny,  would  not 
have  attacked  him  ;  but  Euthynus,  with  fuch  a  difpofition, 
could  not  find  any  other  to  defraud.     This  is  the  ftrongeft 
fign,  and  fufficient  for  a  judgment  of  the  whole ;  for,  whea 
the  accufation  was  firft  made,  the  oligarchy  prevailed,  un- 
der which  their  circumftances  were  fuch,  that  Nicias,  had 
he  been  accuftomed  in  former  times  to  calumniate,  would 
have  then  defifted  ;  but  Euthynus,  though  he  had  never 
thought  of  fuch  a  thing  before,  would  have  been  tempted 
to  do  this  injury  :  for  Euthynus  was  then  honoured  for  his 
vices ;  but  the  other  laid  in  wait  for  on  account  of  his 
riches.   You  all  know,  that,  in  thofe  times,  it  was  thought 
more  atroce  to  be  rich,  than  unjuft;  for  thefe  (bized  the 
properties  of  others,  but  the  former  loft  their  own  poflef- 
fions  :  for  they,  in  whofe  power  the  r^ublic  was  then, 
puni(hed  the  innocent,  and  fpoiled  thofe  who  were  pofTeff- 
ed  of  riches ;  and  thought  the  unjuft  faithful  to  them,  but 
the  wealthy  their  enemies. .  Wherefore  Nicias  was  not  in 
fuch  a  fituation  as  to  feize  on  others  goods  by  calumny,  but 
rather  to  fuffer  harm  himfelf,  tho'  he  had  done  no  evil ; 
but  it  was  permitted  Euthynus  in  fuch  power  to  defraud  an- 
other of  what  he  had  received,  and  accufe  thofe  he  had  no 
commerce  with ;  whereas  thofe  who  were  in  a  like  condi- 
tion with  Nicias,  were  forced  to  forgive  their  debtors  their 
juft  debts,  and  let  calumniators  plunder  them.     And  that 
thdh  things  are  true,  Euthynus  himfelf  can  witnefs ;  for  he 
knows  that  Timodemus  extorted  from  Nicias  thirty  minaes, 
not  by  demand  of  debt,  but  by  threatening  to  carry  him  to 

prifon. 


412       The    O  R  A  T  I  O  N  S     ' 

prifon.     But  how  is  it  probable  that  Nic^as  was  arrived  at 
liich  a  pitch  of  phrenzy,  that,  while  he  was  in  danger  of 
his  life  by  it,  he  would  calumniate  others  ;  and  while  he 
could  not  protect  his  own,  fhould  lay  fnares  for  the  fub- 
flance  of  others,  and  raife  up  to  himfclf  other  enemies  to 
contend  with  befides  thofe  which  he  already  had ;  and  ac- 
cufe  thofe  iinjuftlv,  againft  whom,  tho'  they  had  confefied 
they  had  wronged  him,  yet,  at  that  time,  he  could  have 
obtained  no  redrefs  by  law ;  or,  when  he  was  obliged  to 
give  what  he  had  never  received,  he  fiiould  then  hope  to 
gain  what  he  had  never  entered  into  ?  contra6l  about? 
What  has  beert  faid,  fufiices  (methinks)  on  this  fubje<5t. 
^,  Per  fi  A  PS  Eutbynus  will  repeat  what  he  has  long  ago 
faid  before,  that  if  he  had  had  a  mind  to  commit  an  injuf- 
tice,  he  never  would  have  reftored  two  parts  of  the  depofit, 
and  retained  a  third;  but  whether  he  would  have  been  juft, 
or  the  contrary,  he  would  have  been  the  fame  in  regard  pf 
the  whole.     But,  I  think,  you  all  know,  that  when  men 
go  about  a6ling  unjuffly,  ,they  at  the  Came  time  think  of  an 
excufe  ;  wheiefore  it  is  not  reafonable  to  wonder,  if  by 
tbofe  very  arguments  Euthynus  committed  this  injuftice  in 
fuch  a  manner.     Befides,  I  could  mention  many,  who  up- 
on the  receipt  of  imoney,  have  reftored  the  greateft,  and 
retained  a  fmall  part ;  and  fuch  likewifc  as  have  defrauded 
in  fmall  contrails,  and  yet  been  juft  in  regard  of  great  ones: 
wherefore  Euthynus  has  not  been  the  firft,  or  alone  done 
this.     You  ought  alfo  to  obfeive^  that  if  you  approve  thofe 
who  plead  thus,  you  will  conftitute  a  law  or  method, 
whereby  men  may,  with  impunity,  defraud  ethers ;  fo  that 
for  the  future,  they  will  reilore  a  part,  and  keep  back  the 
reft  ;  for  this  will  be  lucrative  to  them,  if  ufing  what  they 
have  reftored  for  argument,  they  (hall  efcape  puniftunent. 
Reflecl  alfo,  it  is  ealy  to  make  for  Nicias  the  fame  defence 
with  Euthynus ;  for  when  he  received  two  talents,  no  one 
was  prcfent  with  him ;  wherefore  if  he  had  a  mind,  and    , 
judged  it  convenient  to  calumniate,  it  is  manifeft  he  would 
pot  have  confefied  he  had  received  thcfej  but  he  would 

have 


/ 


,iR.    V*' 

is*-*'  ^**c'      I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.      413 

have  pleaded  for  all.  Euthynus  thus  would  have  run  the 
hazard  of  a  greater  fum,  and  could  not  ufe  fuch  arguments 
as  he  now  does.  Moreover,  there  is  not  one  perfon  can 
fhew  any  reafon  why  Nicias  Ihould  falfly  accufe  Euthynus  ; 
but  it  is  eafy  to  imagine  for  what  reafons  Euthynus  has 
done  this  injuftice  to  him,  and  in  this  manner ;  for  when 
Nicias  was  opprefled  with  calamities,  all  his  relations  and 
friends  knew,  that  he  had  depofited  with  this  man  money ; 
therefore  Euthynus  knew,  that  many  had  heard  that  money 
was  depofited  with  him ;  but  what  fum,  no  one  knew : 
wherefore  he  thought,  did  he  fubtra£t  from  the  fum,  he 
fliould  not  be  found  out ;  but  that  if  he  fhould  detain  the 
whole,  he  fhould  be  proved  guilty.  Wherefore  he  chofe 
rather  to  defraud  him  of  as  much  as  fufficed,  than,  ref?:ore- 
ing  nothing,  to  be  left  without  a  poflibility  of  denial. 


The  End  of  the  Orations. 


THE 


(4i6  ) 


^M^|P§^^ 


THE 


Epistles   of  Isocrates, 


E  p  s  T  L  E    I. 


The    In 


SCRIPTION. 


Ifocrates  wifhes  happinefs  to  Philip  king  of  Macedoit* 

IF  I  was  younger,  I  would  not  fend  this  letter,  but 
rather  fail  myfelf,  and  upon  the  fpot  difcourfe  with 
you  ;  but  as  the  feafon  of  my  life  does  not  agree  with 
labour,  and  I  am  now  wafted  with  age,  I  will  endea- 
vour to  write  to  you  as  prudently  as  I  can  about  the 
prefent  ftate  of  things.  I  know  indeed  it  much  coHi- 
oerns  thofe,  who  would  perfuade  others  not  to  explain 
their  mind  in  letters,  but  in  private  converfation,  not 
only  becaufe  any  one  may  more  eafily  tranfacl  bufmefs 
prefent,  than  declare  his  thoughts  by  letter  ;  nor  that 
all  credit  words  rather  than  writings,  and  think  the 
firft,  as  it  were,  friendly  deliberations,  and  the  latter  but 
as  fictions  3  but  becaufe,  befides  this,  in  converfation,  if 
any  thing  fpoken  be  not  underflood,  of  not  believed,  he 
that  makes  the  difcourfe  may  apply  a  remedy  to  botfe  incon- 
veniencies  3  but,  in  fent  difjourfcs,  if  any  thing  of  this 
natwre  happens,  there  is  no  one  to  obviate  it ;  for  he  being 
abfent  who  wrote  them,  writings  are  deprived  of  him  who 
fhould  fupply  their  deficiency.  But,  as  you  are  to  be  their 
judge,  I  have  great  hope  that  I  fliall  appear  to  have  fpoken 
to  the  purpofe ;  for  I  judge  that  you,  fctting  afidc  all  impe- 
^ments,  will  apply  your  mind  to  the  thiugs  themftives. 

Some 


/. 


^  f 


V 


} 


The    E  P  I  S  T  L  E  S,  &c.    417 

Some  of  thofe  who  have  been  with  me,  have  endea- 
voured to  deter  me,  faying,  that  you  refped  flatterers,  but 
contemn  admonitors.    Had  I  believed  their  words,  I  would 
have  remained  quiet.     Now,  none  fnall  perfuade  nie  that 
any  one  can  fo  far  excel  others  as  you  do,  both  In  adions 
and  wifdom,  unleCs  he  be  the  fcholar  of  fome,  the  hearer 
of  others,  the  benefador  of  m:ny,  and  on  every  fide  feek 
and  colled  thofe  helps,  whereby  he  may  exercife  and  im- 
prove his  underilanding.     1  therefore  was  thus  induced  to 
write  to  you;  for  r«folving  both  to  fpeak  of  great  things, 
and  of  fuch  fubjeds  as  it  is  convenient  no  one  living  fhould 
fooner  hear  than  you,  metliinks  I  ought  fo  earneilly  to  ex- 
hort you,  that  you  mutt  per  force  become  tlie  bearer  of 
iuch  a  written  oration.     Nor  am  I  ambitious  of  praife,  or 
ignorant  that  you  mult  be  fatiated  with  orations  and  men. 
This  likevvife  is  eviuent,  that  public  aflemblies  are  proper 
for  fuch  as  are  defirous  of  oflentation  ;  for  there  they  may 
difplay  their  eloquence  and  ability  to  the  greateft  numbers  : 
but  that  thofe  who  would  efFed  any  thing,  fliould  dired 
their  difcourfe  to  him,  who  Can  the  mod:  cXpcditioufly  put 
in  execution  what  is  fpoken  of  in  their  oration  :  where- 
fore, Was  I  to  counfel  a  city,  I  would  dir-c6t  my  difcourfe 
to  the  chief  of  it ;  but  when  I  have  refolved  to  eive  coun- 
kl  for  the  public  fafcty  of  Greece,  to  whom  can  any  fay  it 
is  fo  proper  I  fnould  dired  my  difcourfe  as  to  him,  who 
excels  in  nobility,  and  is  poflefTed  of  the  greateft  power  ? 
Nor  fhall  I  feem  to  fpeak  unfeafonably  of  this  fubjed;  for 
when  the  Lacedaemonians  held  the  foverelgnty,  it  would 
not  have  been  eafy  for  you  to  have  patron i fed  us,  and  re- 
fifted  them  j  but  they  have  now  fuch  bad  fuccefs,  that  they 
will  be  content  to  pofTefs  their  own  territory.  JButiputxiiy.. 
^i^lX^^^^y - ^^"  y^H£.  allyj^ ,  and.  partner  of  jgux  labour,  if 
you  will  ad  for  the  common  good  of  Greece.     How  thei\ 
can  there  a  more  glonouj^  opportunity  happen  r- 

Nor  wonder,  tho*  I  am  neither  orator  or  captain,  nor 
powerful  in  any  other  regard,  I  undertake  fo  momentous  an 
affair,  and  attempt  two  of  the  greateft  things,  viz.  to  fpeak 

i^  c  of 


^ 


418        The     EPISTLES 

of  the  ftate  of  all  Greece,  and  [rive  you  counfel.  I  indeed 
abftained  foon  from  all  public  affairs  (for  what  reafons  it 
would  be  troublefome  to  mention  here)  but  it  is  evident, 
that  I  was  not  ignorant  of  the  inftitutes  of  that  philofophy, 
which  defpifes  fmall  things,  and  haftens  to  great  under- 
takings :  wherefore  it  will  not  be  incredible  that  I  (hould 
perceive  fomething  profitable  fooner  than  thofe  who  are 
converfant  in  government,  and  have  acquired  glory.  I 
fhall  immediately  dcmonftrate  if  I  have  any  merit ;  but  this 
will  be  Ihewn  by  what  I  defign  to  fpeak  of. 

Note,  This  letter,  with  the  oration  fent  to  Philip,  and 
the  letter  to  Alexander,  probably  infpired  and  animated 
thofe  great  men  to  undertake  the  Perfian  war ;  fo  that 
Ifocrates's  eloquence  may  be  faid,  perhaps,  to  have  pro- 
duced one  of  the  greateft  events  in  the  world. 


EPISTLE    II. 

The     Inscription. 
•  Ifocratcs  wilhes  happinefs  to  Philip. 

I  Know  well,  that  kings  are  wont  to  have  more  grat^- 
tude  for  thofe  who  praife,  than  thofe  who  admonifh 
them.  I,  had  I  not  before  admonifhed  you  with  a  great 
deal  of  benevolence  of  thofe  things,  whereby  it  appeared  to 
me,  that  you  would  do  what  moft  became  you,  perhaps, 
{hould  not  now  addrefs  this  letter  about  what  has  befallen 
you.  But  becaufe  I  have  chofen  to  be  follicitous  for  your 
affairs,  as  well  on  account  of  my  own  as  other  Grecian 
cities,  I  (hould  blufh,  fhould  I  feem  to  have  given  you 
counfel  about  lefs  neceiTary  afFajrs,  but  fhould  make  no 
piehtion  of  thofe  that  are  more  urgent ;  and  this  when  the 
others  only  concern  your  glory,  but  thefe  your  fafety,  which 
you  feem  to  all  thofe,  who  have  heard  the  reproaches  made 
of  you,  to  have  negleded :  for  there  are  none  but  fay,  that 

you 


y 


i  I 


h 


■\i 


I 


I 


..  « 


f 

1 5 


/, 


1/ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        419 

you  expofe  yourfelf  to  danger  more  than  becomes  a  king ; 
and  that  you  more  regard  the  praife  of  fortitude,  than  the 
event  of  all.    But  it  is  alike  difgraceful,  when  the  enemy  is 
prefling  on  all  fides,  not  to  excel  others^  as,  when  no  necef- 
fity  calls  upon  you,  to  expofe  yourfelf  to  fuch  hazards  j 
wheiein  fhould  you  come  off  vidtor,  you  will  gain  no  c^reaC 
advantage;  but,  fhould  you  lofe  your  life,  you  will  over- 
turn all  your  prefent  happinefs.     Now,  we  ought  not  to 
think  all  deaths  in  war  are  honourable  ;  but  that  thofe  which 
happen  for  our  country,    our  parents,    and  children,  are 
worthy  of  praife  5  and  that  thofe,  which  prejudice  all  thefe, 
and  give  a  blot  to  former  fuccefs,  ought  to  be  thought  by  us 
difgraceful,  and  be  avoided,  as  the  caufes  of  infamy.     But 
I  judge  you  ought  to  .imitate,  and  confidcr  how  cities  admi* 
nifter  their  affairs  in  war;  for  they  all,  when  they  fend  out 
an  army,  are  wont  to  put  in  fafety  the  public,  and  the  ge- 
neral council:  v/hereby  it  happens,  that  if  fome  calamity 
befalls  them,  their  power  in  not  annihilated,  but  they  can 
fuftain  many  loiTes,  and  sgain  recover  themfelves  j  which 
you  ought  to  have  in  view,  and  think  no  good  greater  than 
f:ifety,  that  you  may  ufe  the  vi£^ories  you  gain  with  pru- 
dence.    You  may  fee  what  great  care  the  Lacedaemonians 
take  of  the  fafety  of  their  kings,  and  appoint  the  mofl  famous 
of  their  citizens  for  their  guards,  to  defert  whom  when  flain, 
is  more  infamous  than  to  throw  away  their  fhields.     But 
neither  are  you  ignorant  of  what  happened  to  Xerxes,  who 
formed  the' defign  of  enflaving  Greece  ;  and  to  Cyrus,  who 
difputed  for  the  Perfian  kingdom :  for  the  former,  tho'  he 
fell  into  fo  many  calamities  and  diflreffes,  as  no  one  knows 
the  like  of  by  hiflory,  yet,  becaufe  he  had   faved  his  life, 
he  recovered  his  kingdom,  and  delivered  it  to  his  children; 
and  it  is  no  lefs  teri'ible  now  than  it  was  before.     But  Cy- 
rus, after  he  had  conquered  all  the  king's  forces,  and  had 
gained  fupreme  power,  by  his  own  temerity,  did  not  only 
deprive  himfelf  of  fo  great  a  dominion,  but  he  brought  all 
his  friends  into  the  extremefl  danger.  I  could  mention  many 
more,  who  beij^g  the  generals  of  great  armies,   becaufe 

E  e  2  they 


420        The    EPISTLES 

they  were  flain  immaturely  themfelves,  were  the  caufe  of 

the  deflrudllon  of  millions. 

Considering  which,  you  ought  not  to  defire  that  for- 
titude which  is  joined  with  imprudence,  and  unfcafonable 
ambition;  nor,  while  To  many  dangers  hang  over  monor- 
diy,  invent  for  yourfelf  others  of  an  ignoble,  common, 
military  nature;  nor  contend  with  thofe,  who  would  either 
be  freed  from  a  miferable  life,  or  rafhly  face  dangers,  in 
^he  hope  of  a  larger  Itipend  ;  nor  dcfire  even  fuch  a  glory 
as  others,  both  of  the  Greeks  and  Barbarians,  have  obtain- 
ed ;  but  that  which  is  of  fuch  fubllmity,  that  no  one  liv- 
ing, but  yourfelf,  can  acquire  ;  nor  as  much  love  thofe  vir- 
lues  which  mc^n  men  may  be  partakers  of,  as  thofe  which 
no  bad  man  can  have  a  ihare  in  :  nor  carry  on  ignoble, 
dangerous  wars,  when  you  may  undertake  honourable  and 
fafe  ones  ;  nor,  in  fine,  fuch  whereby  you  may  throw  your 
friends  into  the  greateil  grief  and  forrow,  and  give  the 
greateft  hope  to  )our  enemies,  as  you  have  now  done.  But 
it  will  fufiice  fo  far  to  conquer  thefe  Barbarians  you  now 
£ght  with  till  you  have  fecured  your  own  kingdom,  and 
jhen  attack  and  endeavour  to  overthrow  him,  who  is  now 
called  the  great  king,  thereby  to  exalt  your  own  glory, 
and  fnew  to  the  Grecians  againft  whom  they  ought  to  make 
war.  I  very  much  wifa  I  had  fent  you  this  letter  before 
you  had  undertaken  your  expedition  ;  for,  if  you  had  been 
perfuaded,  you  would  not  have  been  expofed  to  fuch  dan- 
gers ;  but,  if  you  had  not  liftened  to  me,  yet  I.fhould  not 
4"eem  to  counfel  you  to  fuch  things,  as  now,  upon  account 
of  what  you  have  fuffered,  are  manifeft  in  their  nature  to 
all;  but  the  event  would  have  proved,  that  thofe  words 
were  true  which  I  had  fpoken  about  fuch  entcrprifes. 

Tho'  I  have  many  things  to  fay  on  the  fubjecl,  yet  I 
will  conclude  ;  for  I  judge,  that  you  and  the  beil  of  your 
friends  can  eafily  add  as  much  as  you  pleafc  to  what  has 
been  faid  by  me.  Befidcs,  I  am  afraid  of  appearing  to 
affccl  too  great  copioufncfs ;  for  having  thus  proceeded  by 
degrees,  I  did  net  obferve  that  I  had  not  preferved  the  bre- 
vity 


( 


1 

J 


{ 


s    >i 


of    ISOCRATES.       421 

vity  of  a  letter,  but  had  indulged  the  length  of  an  oration  : 
but  fhould  this  be  fo,  yet  thofe  things  which  regard  our 
city,  ought  not  to  be  ncgle6ted  ;  but  I  ought  to  endeavour 
to  perfuade  you  to  cultivate  its  amity  and  friendfhip:  for  I 
judge  there  do  not  want  many  perfons,  who  will  tell  you 
not  only  the  mod  odious  things  which  are  faid  of  you  here, 
but  will  add  fomething  of  their  own ;  whom  it  is  not  juft 
you  {hould  liflen  to  :  for  it  would  be  unreafonable  that  you 
fhould  blame  our  people  for  eafily  giving  credit  to  accufa- 
tions,  and  yet  you  yourfelf  believe  thofe  who  pradlife  fuch 
fallacy.  And  you  muft  be  fenfible,  that  the  more  any  prove 
our  city  to  be  credulous,  they  prove  it  more  difpofed  for 
your  purpofcs;  for  if  thofe  who  can  efFe£t  no  good,  obtain 
by  words  of  it  whatever  they  pleafe,  it  is  certainly  congru- 
ous that  you,  w^ho  in  fa6l  can  fo  greatly  benefit  it,  mull:  of 
courfe  obtain  whatever  you  judge  proper.  Now,  I  think, 
to  thofe  who  moft  bitterly  reproach  our  city,  may  be  op- 
pofed  thofe,  who  fay  it  has  a  right  to  all,  and  never  did 
amifs  in  things  of  a  greater  or  lefs  moment.  But  I  lliall  imi- 
tate neither  of  them ;  for  I  fhould  blufti,  if,  while  others 
think  not  the  i?;ods  themfelves  impeccable,  I  fhould  dare  to 
aflcrt,  that  we  had  never  tranfgrefled  in  any  thing  :  but  I 
have  this  to  fay  of  it,  that  you  can  find  no  other  more  Ser- 
viceable to  Greece,  or  ufeful  for  your  own  affairs,  which 
ought  particularly  to  be  confidered  by  you  :  for,  not  only 
as  a  declared  ally,  it  will  be  the  caufe  to  you  of  much  good, 
but  if  it  only  feems  friendly  difpofed  ;  for  by  this  means  you 
will  more  eafily  keep  thofe  in  their  duty,  who  are  already 
fubjecT  to  you,  if  they  have  no  refuge;  and  you  may  more 
eafily  conquer  what  Barbarians  you  pleafe.  Why  fhould 
you  not  willingly  defire  that  friendfhip,  by  which  you  will 
hold  fecurely  your  prefent  power,  and  will  acquire  an  ample 
additional  one  without  danger  ?  Now,  I  wonder  at  thofe 
potentates,  who  hire  great  armies  of  mercenaries,  and  ex- 
pend much  money  upon  them,  tho'  they  know  that  fuch 
men  have  injured  more  of  thofe  who  confided  in  them  than 
they  havefaved  j[  but  yet^do  not  endeavour  to  gain  the  friend- 
,'  I^  e  3  ihip 


# 


422        The     EPISTLES- 

fbip  of  a  city  pofleficd  of  fuch  power,  which  has  already 
preferved  both  fingular  cities  and  all  Greece.  Reflect  alfo, 
that  you  feem  to  many  to  have  confulted  rightly  in  a£i:i]ig 
juftly  by  the  Theflalians,  and  as  was  convenient  for  them,  , 
tho'  not  tradable  men  indeed,  but  magnanimous,  and  prone 
to  fedition.  You  ought  therefore  to  be  fuch  towards  u?, 
knowing,  that  the  Thefialians  have  only  their  country,  but 
we  a  great  power  neighbouring  to  you,  which  you  muft  by 
all  means  endeavour  to  reconcile :  for  it  is  much  more 
glorious  to  gain  the  benevolence  of  cities,  than  to  force 
walls ;  and  the  latter  has  not  only  envy  for  its  attendant, 
but  men  are  wont  to  attribute  fuch  atchievements  to 
armies  ,  whereas,  if  you  acquire  benevolence  and  friend- 
(hip,  all  will  praife  your  prudence. 

You  may  juflly  credit  me  about  what  I  have  fafd  of  our 

city  ;  for  I  am  not  accuftomed  to  flatter  it  in  my  difcourfes, 

but  to  have  reprehended  it  more  than  any  one ;  nor  ever  to 

have  been  efteemed  by  the  vulgar,  and  thofe  who  take  ralh 

counfels,  but  not  unknown  or  odious  to  fuch  as  you  are. 

But  this  is  ihe  difference  betwixt  us,  that  they  are  of  this 

difpofition  towards  you  on  account  of  your  felicity  and 

power;  towards  me^  becaufe  I  profefs  myfelf  wifer  than 

they,  and  they  fee  more  are  willing  to  converfe  with  me 

than  them.    I  wifti  it  was  ecjually  poflible  for  both  to  avoid 

the  opinions  which  they  have  conceived  of  us ;  but  you,  if 

you  pleafe,  without  much  difliculty,  may  blot  them  out  in 

refpcdt  of  yourfelf :  but  I  am  under  a  neceiTity,  on  account 

of  my  old  age,  and  many  other  reafons,  to  be  contented 

with  my  condition.    Wherefore  I  fee  not  why  I  (hould  fay 

more,  but  only  this jdj^tjt  is  permitted  you  to  reconimend 

your  empire  and  fortune  as  a  pledge  to  the  friendfhip  and 

benevolence  of  all  Greece, 


i 


f 


EPISTLE 


of    I  S  0  C  R  A  T  E  S.       423 
EPISTLE     III. 

The     Inscription. 

Ifocrates  wifheth  happinefs  to  Philip. 

I  Discoursed  with  Antipater  concerning  thofe  things 
which  would  be  advantageous  to  our  city  and  you,  with 
fufficicnt  copioufncfs,  as  I  have  perfuaded  myfelf.  But  I 
chofe  likewife  to  write  to  you  about  thofe  things,  which, 
as  it  feems  to  me,  you  fhould  do  after  the  peace,  of  a  like 
nature  indeed  with  thofe  written  in  the  oration,  but  in  a 
much  briefer  manner.  ,  At^thaJ^ime  J  counfd^^^^ 
'you  had  reconciled  our  citj;,  that  orjh^'^T^  iced^monians 
"'an^^TK'^A'f givf s7To^^ u^^^  Greeks  in  concord.     I 

mJ^'S^^  ax^m^  of 

fuch  a  difpofition,  the  others  would  eafily  follow.  Then 
the  ftate  of  affairs  was  different ;  but  it  has  now  fp  hap- 
pened, that  perfuafion  is  unneceflTary :  for,  on  account  of 
the  battle  which  has  been  given,  all  are  forced  to  be  wife, 
and  defire  thofe  things,  which,  I  believed,  you  thought  and 
had  a  defire  of,  viz.  leaving  all  phrenzy  and  avarice  where- 
by they  plagued  one  another,  to  transfer  the  war  diredly 
into  Aha.  Befides,  many  afxC  of  me,  whether  I  perfuaded 
you  to  an  expedition  againft  the  Barbarians,  or,  when  you 
had  determined  it  firft,  if  it  had  my  approbation  ?  I  an- 
fvvered,  I  do  not  know  for  certain  5  for  I  never  hitherto 
had  your  converfation :  yet  I  can  fay,  that  I  believe  you 
had  purpofed  the  defign  ;  but  that  I  feconded  your  Inten- 
^  tion.  When  they  had  heard  this  from  me,  they  defired  I 
would  admonifh  and  exhort  you  to  continue  in  the  fame 
intentions,  there  not  being  a  pofiibillty  of  more  noble 
atchievements,  more  ufeful  to  Greece,  or  likely  to  be  more 
favoured  by  opportunity.  If  therefore  I  had  the  fame  faculty 
which  I  had  formerly,  and  was  not  enfeebled  quite  by  age, 
I  would  not  thus  exhort  you  by  letters,  but,  in  your  pre- 
fence,  would  counfel  and  excite  you  to  the  enterprize. 
Now,  I  exhort  you  in  that  manner  I  can,  not  to  negledt 

E  e  4  thefc 


\>^ 


<: 


u 


424         The    EPISTLES 

thefe  things  till  you  have  compleated  them.  Befides,  It  la 
mot  reputable  infatiably  to  defire  any  things  elfe,  Mode^ 
ration  of  them  is  approved  by  moft  ;  but  to  defire  jzreat  and 
diftinguifhed  glory,  and  never  to  be  fatiated  with  Tt,  is  be- 
coming thofe  who  far  excel  others,  which  is  your  cafe. 
Do  you  therefore  judge  you  will  have  acc^uired  a  tranfcen- 
dant  degree  of  it,  and  worthy  of  your  adions,  when  you 
have  forced  the  Barbarians  to  fervc  the  Grecians,  except 
fuch  as  f^ght  on  your  fide ;  and  reduce  that  king,  who  is 
now  filled  Great,  to  fuch  a  condition,  that  he  obey  your 
orders.  7'his  is  much  eahir  to  be  done  by  you  in  your  prc- 
fcnt  ilate,  than  for  you  to  h^ve  arrived  at  that  power  and 
glory  which  you  now  enjoy,  beyond  that  kingdom  which 
you  had  at  firil :  nor  will  any  thing  remain  for  you,  but  to 
attain  divinity.  I  have  a  grateful  fentiment  for  old  age  on 
this  account  only,  that  it  has  fo  far  prolonged  my  life,"that, 
I  hop^,  what  I  thought  of  when  I  was  young,  and  began 
to  write  of  in  the  panegyric,  as  well  as  in  that  oration 
which  I  fent  to  you,  I  fee  partly  compleated  by  what  you 
have  done,  and  hope  to  fee  the  reft  accomplifhcd  hereafter. 


I 


F  P  I  S  T  L  E    IV. 

The     Inscription. 
Ifocrates  wifhes  health  to  Philip. 

Tho'  it  is  dangerous  to  fend  a  letter  into  Macedonia, 
J  not  only  now  when  we  are  at  war  together,  but  even 
when  we  ore  at  peace,  yet  have  chofen  to  write  to  you 
about  Diodotus,  thinking  it  but  juft  to  highly  efleem  my 
difciples,  and  thofe  who  have  been  worthy  of  my  friend- 
(hip,  and  not  in  the  leaft  degree  this  perfon,  both  on  ac- 
count of  his  benevolence  to  me,  and  equity  in  all  other 
things.  Now,  I  fhould  particularly  defire  he  (hould  be  re- 
commended by  me;  but,  fince  he  is  known  to  you  by 
others,  what  remains  is,  that  I  bear  teflimony  of  him,  and 

confirm 


i 


/I 


I 


C 


4 


I    1 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       425 

confirm  the  knowledge  you  have  of  him  already.     I  have 
had  the  familiarity  of  many  and  various  perfons,  fome  of 
whom  v/ere  dilHnguifhed  by  great  glory,  others  by  elo- 
quence, and  fome  again  by  prudence,  and  the  management 
of  affairs  ;  fome  for  their  modefty  and  affable  behaviour, 
tho'  ufelefs  for  the  other  purpcfes  and  cuftoms  of  life.    But 
this  perfon  received  fuch  a  happy  genius  from  nature,  that 
he  was  wonderfully  perfe6l  in  all  thefe  qualities;  and  I 
fhould  not  dare  to  Ipeak  this,  if  it  was  not  that  I  had  moft 
certain  experience,   and  you  will  have  the  fame,  partly 
when  you  yourfelf  converfe  with  him,  and  hear  his  praife 
from  others  who  have  had  his  acquaintance,  none  of  whom, 
except  he  be  envious,  will  deny,  that  he  is,  both  in  elo- 
quence and  counfel,  inferior  to  none,  yet  very  juft  and 
moderate,  and  ahftinent  in  rcfpecl  of  money,  befides  a  mofl 
agreeable  and  facetious  companion,  let  me  add,  and  of  a 
great  deal  of  liberty  in  his  converfation  ;  not  fuch  tho'  as  is 
improper,  but  which  is  juftly  the  greateft  mark  of  benevo- 
lence towards  friends,  which  thofe  princes,  who  have  a 
greatnefs  of  foul  worthy  of  empire,  honour  as  beneficial ; 
but  thofe  who  are  of  a  weaker  genius  than  is  fuitable  to 
their  power,  take  ill,  as  if  it  forced  them  to  a(Si:  agalnft 
their  inclinations,  ignorant,  that  in  regard  of  that  utility 
which  we  are  fpeaking  of,  thofe  who  dare  moft  freely  con- 
tradict, afford  them  the  greateft  opportunity  of  a6ling,with 
full  liberty :  for  it  is  probable,  that,  by  means  of  thofe, 
who  chufe  to?pealcf5rth'e'p!eatee^onJy^f  others,  Betray 
narcliies  alone  cannot  confirm  their  power  (which  cer- 
tainly are  expofed  to  many  dangers),  but  that  evei)  repub- 
lics cannot,  which  are  governied  wtth  mpre  {ecilrtQrrl^w, 
it  Is  not  unlikely,  tKcy  who  perfift  freely  in  3en'verlng  the 
beft  counfel,  may  fave  many  ftates  that  would  othcrwifc 
perifh:  wherefore  it  is  juft  they  (hould  be  in  greater  efteem 
with  kings,  who  declare  the  truth,  than  thofe  who  fpeak 
every  thing  to  plcafe,  but  nothing  worthy  of  gratitude; 
but  it  happens,  that  fuch  are  generally  in  lefs  favour  with 
the  powerful,  which  Diodotus  happened  to  fuffer  from 

fome 


y 


426        The    EPISTLES 

fome  of  the  Afiatic  potentates,  to  whom  he  had  been  vcrjr 
ufeful,  not  only  by  counfels,  but  acSlions  and  dangers,  bc- 
caufe  he  fpoke  freely  about  what  would  have  benefitted 
them,  he  wa^  both  deprived  of  his  domeftlc  happlnefs  and 
a  great  variety  of  hopes ;  and  fome  mens  flattery  had  greater 
prevalence  than  his  real  fervices ;  on  which  account,  tho' 
he  always  defigned  to  pafs  over  to  you,  yet  he  delayed,  not 
becaufe  he  thought  all  alike  in  fuperior  power,  but  becaufe, 
by  reafon  of  the  difficulties  they  laid  in  his  way,  he  was  of 
a  lefs  chearful  mind  in  entertaining  the  hopes  you  offered 
him.     He  feems  to  me  to  h^'e  fuffered  fomcthinG:  of  a  like 
nature  with  fome  who  go  to  fea,  who,  when  they  have  at 
£ift  met  with  a  tempefl,  fcarce  go  to  fea  with  courage  any 
more,  tho'  they  know  navigation  may  be  performed  with 
great  fecurity.     But,  fmce  he  is  recommended  to  you,  all 
things  feem  to  him  to  have  happened  well.     I  judge  it  will 
happen  (o  to  him,  by  a  conjcdlure  drawn  from  your  huma- 
nity, which  you  are  thought  pofTefled  of  even  by  ftrangers 
and  foreig;ners  -,  and  then,  that  you  are  not  ignorant  that  it 
is  the  moft  pleafant  and  profitable  of  all  things  to  acquire, 
by  benefits,  faithful  and  ufeful  friends,  and  deferve  well  of 
thofe,  for  whofe  fakes  many  others  will  be  grateful  to  you  ; 
for  all  elegant;minded  perfons  praife  and  honour  fuch  as 
convcrfe  equitably  and  benevolently  with  virtuous  men,  as 
if  they  themfelves  had  received  kindnefles  from  them.     But 
I  judge  Diodctus  himfelf  will  be  the  greatefl  motive  to  you 
of  providing  for  him.     I  likewife  exhorted  his  fon,  that  he 
would  efpoufe  your  intereft,  and,  by  devoting  himfelf  to 
you  as  a  difciple,  endeavour  to  make  greater  proficiency. 
While  I  was  fpeaking  this,  he  declared  he  was  defirous  of 
your  friendihip ;  but  that  he  found  himfelf  much  in  the 
feme  manncij  afifeded  towards  it,  as  he  was  towards  hono- 
rary crownsgained  in  gymnaftic  games:  he  wifhed  indeed 
to  win  them  ;  but  that  he  dared  not  ddtend  into  the  area, 
becaufe  he  had  not  fufficient  ftrength  :  that  thus  he  defired 
to  obtain  honours  from  you,  but  defpaired  of  deferving 
them ',  for,  he  faid,  he  feared  his  own  inexperience,  and 

your 


I 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        427 

your  fplendor :  befides,  that  his  perfon  was  not  advantage- 
ous, but  liable  to  blame,  which,  he  thought,  would  prove 
an  impediment  to  him  in  bufinefs.  He  therefore  fhall  do 
whatever  he  judges  convenient ;  but  whether  he  be  with 
you,  or  indulging  quiet,  I  would  defire  you  to  take  care 
of  him  in  all  he  needs ;  but  particularly  take  care  of  his  and 
his  father's  fnfety,  thinking  you  have  in  him,  as  it  were,  a 
trufl  of  my  old  age,  which  jullly  merits  regard,  both  from 
my  authoiity,  if  1  may  be  judged  worthy  of  any,  and  alfo 
from  mv  benevolence  to  you,  which  has  been  perpetual 
thro*  my  life.  Nor  ought  you  to  wonder  if  I  have  written 
too  prolix  a  letter,  and  have  faid  fomething  fuperfluous,  or 
like  the  old  man,  in  it ;  for-  negle£ling  all  other  things,  I 
only  took  care  of  this,  that  it  might  appear  I  have  been  fol- 
licitous  for  my  friends,  and  thofe  who  are  valued  by  me. 


EPISTLE    V. 

The    Inscription. 

Ifocrates  wiihes  happinefs  to  Alexander. 

WHEN  I  wrote  to  your  father,  I  thought  It  would 
be  imprudent,  if  I  did  not  at  the  fame  time 
addrefs  myfelf  to,  and  falute  you,  who  are  in  the  fame 
place ;  and  write  fomething  of  fuch  a  nature,  as  may  be 
the  caufe  that  thofe,  who  do  not  know  me,  may  not  think 
I  am  become  childifh,  or  quite  foolifh  by  old  age  ;  but  per- 
ceive, that  what  of  genius  remains  me,  is  not  unworthy  of 
the  faculty  I  was  poflelled  of  in  my  youthful  days ;  for  I 
hear  from  all,  that  you  are  hunjane,  afFeftioned  to  the 
JVthenians,  a'lover  of  wifd^  never  a6l  rafhly,  but 

"wltKlronfurnmate  pruc5e'nce  T  arid  they  fay,  you  approved 
^not'oTfuch''  orbiif  citizens  who  have  negleded  themfelves, 
and  defire  diftionourable  things,  but  fuch,  in  whofe  con- 
verfation  you  felt  no  tedioufnefs,   but,   had   you   taken 
counfel  with  them,  would  haveJfufFeredno  injury  or  detri- 
ments 


1^ 


426        The    EPISTLES 

fome  of  the  Afiatic  potentates,  to  whom  he  had  been  vciy 
ufeful,  not  only  by  counfels,  but  actions  and  dangers,  be- 
caufe  he  fpoke  freely  about  what  would  have  benefitted 
them,  he  wa^  both  deprived  of  his  domeftlc  happlnefs  and 
a  great  variety  of  hopes ;  and  fome  mens  flattery  had  greater 
prevalence  than  his  real  fervices ;  on  which  account,  the' 
he  always  defigned  to  pafs  over  to  you,  yet  he  delayed,  not 
becaufc  he  thought  all  alike  in  fuperior  power,  but  becaufe, 
by  reafon  of  the  difficulties  they  laid  in  his  way,  he  was  of 
a  lefs  chearful  mind  in  entertaining  the  hopes  you  offered 
him.     He  fecms  to  me  to  h^e  fuffered  fomcthins:  of  a  like 
jiature  with  fome  who  go  to  fea,  who,  when  they  have  at 
firfl  met  with  a  tempefl,  fcarce  go  to  fea  with  courage  any 
more,  tho'  they  know  navigation  may  be  performed  with 
great  fecurity.     But,  fince  he  is  recommended  to  you,  all 
things  feem  to  him  to  have  happenied  well.     I  judge  it  will 
happen  (o  to  him,  by  a  conjecture  drawn  from  your  huma- 
nity, which  you  are  thought  poflefl'ed  of  even  by  flrangers 
and  foreigners  ;  and  then,  that  you  are  not  ignorant  that  it 
is  the  moft  pleafant  and  profitable  of  all  things  to  acquire, 
by  benefits,  faithful  and  ufeful  friends,  and  deferve  well  of 
thofe,  for  whofe  fakes  many  others  will  be  grateful  to  you ; 
for  all  elegantyminded  perfons  praife  and  honour  fuch  as 
convcrfe  equitably  and  benevolently  with  virtuous  men,  as 
if  they  themfelves  had  received  kindnefTes  from  them.     But- 
I  judge  Diodctus  himfelf  will  be  the  greateft  motive  to  you 
of  providing  for  him.     I  likewife  exhorted  his  fon,  that  he 
would  efpoufe  your  interefl,  and,  by  devoting  himfelf  to 
you  as  a  Jifciple,  endeavour  to  make  greater  proficiency. 
While  I  was  fpeaking  this,  he  declared  he  was  defirous  af 
your  friendfhip ;  but  that  he  found  himfelf  much  in  the 
lame  mannci:  afFe£led  towards  it,  as  he  was  towards  hono- 
rary crownsgained  in  gymnaftic  games :  he  wifhed  indeed 
to  win  them  -,  but  that  he  dared  not  d^tend  into  the  area, 
becaufe  he  had  not  fufficient  ftrength  :  that  thus  he  defired 
to  obtain  honours  from  you,  but  defpaired  of  deferving 
them  i  for,  he  faid,  he  feared  his  own  inexperience,  and 

your 


■Vk- 


.1 


m^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.        427 

your  fplendor :  befides,  that  his  perfon  was  not  advantage- 
ous, but  liable  to  blame,  vvrhich,  he  thought,  would  prove 
an  impediment  to  him  in  bufinefs.  He  therefore  fhall  do 
whatever  he  judges  convenient ;  but  whether  he  be  with 
you,  or  indulging  quiet,  I  would  defire  you  to  take  care 
of  him  in  all  he  needs ;  but  particularly  take  care  of  his  and 
his  father's  fafety,  thinking  you  have  in  him,  as  it  were,  a 
trufl  of  my  old  age,  which  juflly  merits  regard,  both  from 
my  authority,  if  I  may  be  judged  worthy  of  any,  and  alfo 
from  my  benevolence  to  you,  which  has  been  perp&tual 
thro'  my  life.  Nor  ought  you  to  wonder  if  I  have  written 
too  prolix  a  letter,  and  have  faid  fomething  fuperfluous,  or 
like  the  old  man,  in  it ;  for-  negleding  all  other  things,  I 
only  took  care  of  this,  that  it  might  appear  I  have  been  fol- 
licitous  for  my  friends,  and  thofe  who  are  valued  by  me. 


EPISTLE    V. 

The    Inscription. 

Ifocrates  wifhes  happinefs  to  Alexander, 

WHEN  I  wrote  >  your  father,  I  thought  it  would 
be   imprudent,    if   I  did   not    at  the   fame  time 
addrefs  myfelf  to,  and  falute  you,  who  are  in  the  fame 
place ;  and  write  fomething  of  fuch  a  nature,  as  may  be 
the  caufe  that  thofe,  who  do  not  know  me,  may  not  think 
I  am  become  childifh,  or  quite  foolifh  by  old  age  ;  but  per* 
ceive,  that  what  of  genius  remains  me,  is  not  unworthy  of 
the  faculty  I  was  pofTefled  of  in  my  youthful  days ;  for  I 
hear  from  all,  that  you  are  hun^ane,  afFeftioned  to  the 
jAthenians,  alover  of  wifdom,  and  never  a6t  raflily,  but 
'witKTonrunimate  pru(ien^    :  arid  tHey  fay,  you  approved 
'not"oTrucIi  ordut'citizcns  who  have  negleded  themfelves, 
and  defire  difhonourable  things,  but  fuch,  in  whofe  con- 
verfation  you  felt  no  tedioufnefs,    but,   had   you    taken 
counfel  with  them,  would  have/ufferedno  injury  or  detri* 

ments 


/ 


428         The     EPISTLES 

mcnt;  with  whom,  and  fuch  like,  it  certainly  becomes 
wife  men  to  have  familiarity.  It  is  likewife  faid,  that, 
amongft  the  various  kinds  of  philofophy,  you  do  not  rejedl 
that,  which  is  employed  in  difputations  :  but  iud^e,  that  it 
too  has  ifs  ufe  in  converfation  :  but  that  it  is  not  proper  for 
thofe  who  prcfide  over  the  people,  or  are  monarchs  5  for 
that  it  neither  is  convenient  or  decent,  that  thofe  who  are 

^  of  fublim.er  minds  than  others,  fhould  cither  wrangle  with 
their  citizens,  or  give  others  the  liberty  of  contradidincr 
them.     They  therefore  fay,  you  love  not  this  iludy  like 

.  that  of  eloquence,  a  fcience  we  put  in  practice  on  daily 
occurrences,  and,  by  its  means,  deliberate  about  affairs  of 
ftate ;  by  which  you  now  feem  to  lay  down  juft  rules  for 
your  fubjeds,  and  prefcribe  what  each  ought  to  do ;  and 
to  judge  wifely  of  honourable  and  juft  adions,  with  their 
contraries ;  befides,  chaftife  and  reward  both  according-  to 
merit.  Whereby  you  give  hopes  to  your  father  and  others, 
that,  if  you  perfeyere  in  fuch  inftitut^s,  you  will  as  far  fur- 
pafs  others  in  wifdom,  as  your  father  has  furpafTed  all. 


EPISTLE    VL 

The     Inscription. 

Ifocrates  wifhes  happinefs  to  the  fons  of  Jafon. 

ONE  of  the  embafladors,  who  were  fent  to  you,  told 
me,  that  being  called  afide,  he  was  afked  by  you,  if 
I  might  be  perfuaded  to  go  abroad,  and  ftay  with  you.  I 
fhould  indeed,  upon  account  of  Jafon  and  Pelyacus's  hofpi- 
tality,  willingly  come  to  you ;  for  I  know  fuch  a  mutual 
converfation  would  benefit  us  all:  but  many  things  are 
impediments  to  me,  efpecially  becaufe  I  cannot  travel,  nor 
does  it  become  perfons  of  my  years  to  go  abroad  ;  and  be- 
fides, becaufe  all  who  heard  of  my  voyage  would  juftly 
blame  me,  if,  having  chofen  to  pafs  my  former  life  in  tran- 
quillity, I  fhould  attempt  to  travel  into  diftant  places  ia 


'^\ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       4^9 

my  old  age,  when  it  is  becoming  for  me,  tho'  I  had  pafled 
my  days  before  in  /oreign  places,  now  to  haften  home 
aaain,  when  the  conclufion  of  my  life  is  fo  near.  More- ' 
over,  I  am  afraid  of  our  city,  (for  I  ought  to  fpeak  the 
truth)  becaufe  I  fee  alliances  made  with  it  foon  diilblved  ; 
and  fhould  any  thing  happen  of  a  like  nature  betwixt  you, 
how  could  I  avoid  accufation  and  danger  (which  would  be 
very  difficult)  and  not  blufh  befides,  whether  I  fhould 
feem  to  feme,  upon  account  of  our  city,  to  negledl  you, 
or,  on  your  account,  to  undervalue  our  city ;  for  whea 
your  interefts  were  no  longer  common,  I  do  not  fee  how 
I  could  pleafe  both.  Wherefore,  there  are  fo  many  caufes, 
you  fee,  for  which  I  cannot  do  what  you  defire. 

Nor  do  I  yet  judge,. that  while  1  write  to  you  only 
about  my  own  circumflances,  it  is  becoming  me  to  negledl 
your  interefts  but  what  I  would  have  fpoken  prefent,  I 
will  endeavour  now  to  explain  to  you  as  Vv^ell  as  I  can:  yet 
do  not  imao;ine  this,  that  I  have  written  to  you  this  letter, 
not  on  account  of  your  hofpitality,  but  becaufe  I  had  a 
mind  to  make  fliew  of  my  ingenuity  \  for  I  am  not  arrived 
at  that  degree  of  delirioufnefs,  as  to  be  ignorant,  that  I  can 
never  write  better  than  what  has  been  already  publifhed  by 
me,  when  I  am  now  fo  remote  from  the  fiower  of  life ; 
and  that,  if  I  fhould  produce  what  is  inferior,  I  (hall  \t^Q,w 
my  own  reputation  by  it.     Befides,  if  I  fhewed  oftenta- 
tion,  nor  adled  fincerdy,  I  would  not  have  chofen  out  of 
all,  a  fubjedt  that  is  eafy  to  be  fpcken  on,   but  would 
have  fouiid  out  fome  other  that  was  more  brilliant,  and 
would  have  furnifhed  me  with  greater  variety  of  difcourfe : 
but  I  never  even  before  pleafed  myfelf  on  fuch  a  fcore,  but 
on  quite  different  motives,  which  are  concealed  from  mofl; 
nor  do  I  now  write  with  fuch  a  view.     But  feeing  you 
involved  in  many  and  great  affairs,  and  having  a  mind  to 
declare  what  fentiments  I  have  about  them,  I  thought  I  had, 
refpe£tively  to  them,  the  faireft  opportunity  of  giving  my 
beft  counfel  and  advice;  for  experience  teaches  perfons  of 
my  age,  and  they  feem  to  know  what  is  beil  better  than 

others. 


^ 


430        The     EPISTLES 

others.-  But  to  fpeak  upon  a  propofed  fubjedt  with  har- 
mony, elegance,  and  accuracy,  is  no  longer  to  be  expected 
from  my  years ;  and  I  fhall  be  contented,  if  I  feem  not  to 
fpeak  altogether  negligently :  but  do  not  wonder,  if  I  ap- 
pear to  fay  fome  of  thofe  things  which  you  have  heard- be- 
fore ;  for  I,  perhaps,  fhall  unwillingly  fall  upon  fome  of 
them,  and  knowingly  chufe  the  others,  as  judging  them 
moft  proper ;  for  I  fhould  be  ridiculous,  if,  while  I  fee 
others  make  ufe  of  what  I  faid  before,  I  fhould  alone  ab- 
ftain  from,  and  avoid  my  own  thou<Thts. 

I  HAVE  prefaced  fo  much  upon  this  account,  viz.  becaufc 
what  I  fhall  firfl  mention  is  a  very  trite  diredion  ;  for  I  am 
wont  to  fay  to  thofe  who  fludy  eloquence,  that  we  ou^^ht 
particularly  to  confider  what  we -are  to  do  throughout  the 
whole  oration,  and  its  parts :  but,  after  we  have  found  out 
this,  and  accurately  difpofed  all,  that  then  we  are  to  feek 
out  thofe  ideas  and  figures,  w^hereby  we  may  acquire  our 
propofed  end.    This  is  the  ground-work  or  rudiment  of  all 
other  things,  and  your  affairs ;  for  nothing  can  be  done 
prudently,    unlefs  you  firfl  reafon  accurately,  and  deter- 
mine how  you  ought  to  condu6l  yourfelf  in  time  to  come, 
and  what  fhould  be  the  tenor  of  your  whole  life;  what  glory 
you  ought  to  have  in  view,  and  what  honours  you  ought 
to  love,  whether  fuch  as  are  conferred  upon  you  by  willin<» 
or  unwilling  citizens.     When  you  have  come  to  a  refolu- 
tion  about  this,  then  thofe  fingular  adions,  which  daily 
occur,  are  to  be  confidered,  that  they  may  conduce  to  that 
plan  which  was  laid  down  in  the  beginning.     And  if  vou 
thus  maturely  refled  and  refolve,  you  will  conf^antly  aim 
at  utility,  as  at  a  mark,  and  will  the  footer  hit  it.     But  if 
you  propofe  no  fuch  fcope  to  yourfelves,  but  endeavour  to 
regulate  what  cafually  happens,  there  will  be  a  nepeflity  of 
your  frequently  miflaking,  and  being  difappointed  in  many 
things. 

Perhaps  fome  of  thofe,  who  chufe  to  lead  their  lives 
by  chance,  will  endeavour  to  invalidate  fuch  reafonings, 
and  will  require,  that,  after  I  have  clearly  defined  what  I 

mean. 


-r-^ 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S-        431 

mean,  I  fhould  then  give  my  counfel  about  what  bas  been 
faid  before.  I  think,  therefore,  I  fhould  not  delay  to  give 
my  fcntiments.  A  private  life  feems  to  me  both  preferable 
and  fafer  than  that  of  monarchs  ;  and  I  judge  thofe  honours 
fweeter  that  are  given  by  free  and  magnanimous  perfons? 
than  by  fuch  as  are  oppreiVed  by  flavery.  I  will  endeavour 
to  explain  myfelf ;  but  I  am  not  ignorant  that  I  fhall  have 
many  adverfaries,  and  especially  fuch  as  are  converfant 
with  you .  _I^knowth^4aQftL^.  little  e^  to  retaiii 

defpotic  rower  ;  for  they  do  not  confider  the  nature  of  the 
whole  thmg,  but  deceive  themfelves.     The;j^..fe.^Q»^5J:? 

rKrl^  Inr  pleafufgrai^T^op^'tW^  ^"joy  them  ;  but 
they  dc)  not  feethofe  diiturbances,  fears,  and  calamities, 
whiS  QaifhSTprmce^  a^  are  in  ; 

tTirfameTondltron  oFI^^^  commit  the  / 

bafefl  and  mofl  atrocious  a61:ions ;  for  they  arenot  igno-- 
rant  of  the  deformity  of  thofe  things,  but  they  hope  they  1^^-u 
(hall  obtain  whatever  there  is  of  gain  or  pleafure  in  them,  f  v5    t 
but  fhall  fhun  their  troubles,  avbid  their  evils,  and  live  re-  \ 
mote  from  danger,  while  they  enjoy  all  their  polTible  uti-  \ 
lity.     I  therefore  envy  not  thofe  who  are  of  fuch  a  mind,  j 
upon  account  of  their  floth  and  indolence.     But  I  fhould  ^^ 
blufh,  if,  while  I  give  counfel  to  others,  having  no  regard  j 
for  them,  I  (hould  only  have  in  view  my  own  interefl,  and  ^ 
fhould  not,  without  refpedt  of  my  own  ad\^ntages,  and  \ 
all  other -things,  counfel  what  was  befl.     Wherefore,  be  \ 
attentive  to  this  letter,  as  from  a  perfon  entirely  of  thofe  ! 
fentiments. 


V. 


I'll!?; 


EPISTLE     VIL 

The    Inscription'. 

Ifocrates  wifhes  happlnefs  to  Timothcus. 

I  Suppose  you  heard  from  many  mention  made  of  our 
mutual  friendfhip.  .  Now  I  congratulate  with  you,  firft, 
that  you  ufe  your  power  more  juflly  and  prudently  than 


>. 


'4' 


r^' 


^ 


H- 


\ 


432        The    EPISTLES 

your  father;  and  then» that  row jl^!e_radi£rjoqb(ai 
glory,  than  great  rich^.     You  rive  not  a  fmail  fign  of  v»^- 

..)?^^fe5.i!l|. vcrjT^  .&:£^S^^? .  ^en  .you  are,  of  ^his  rriir^  : 
wherefore,  if  you  perfevere  in  what  is  faid  of  yoii,  you 
will  not  want  perfons  who  will  praife  both  your  prudence 
and  philosophy :  and  I  think,  that  what  is  faid  of  your  fa- 
ther, is  a  fure  argument  that  you  are  both  wife,  and  excel 
others ;  for  men  are  wont  not  fo  much  to  praife  and  honour 
thofe  who  were  born  of  praife-worthy  parents,  as  thofe  who 
were  born  of  cruel  and  barbarous  ones,  if  it  is  evident  that 
in  nothing  they  refemble  them  :  for  in  all  things,  the  good 
which    happens  beyond  exgedation,  is  more   grateful  to 
mankind,  than  that  which  happens  as  it  is  probable  and  fit- 
ting it  fhould:  which  things  being  well  confidcred,  you 
ought  to  think  and  feek  out>  by  ufing  what  means  and  wh;^t 
counfellors,  you  may  amend  the- calamities 'of  the  city- 
may  exhort  your  citizens  to  beneficence  and  moderation, 
and  Caiife  thepi  to  live  with  more  pleafure  and  fecurlty  than 
they  did  in  times  paft ;  fox  this  is  the  duty  pf  fuch  who 
govern  juftly,  and  with  equity  and  prudence:  which  fome 
neglecHng,  have  nothing  cKe  in  view,  but  to  live  theaj- 
felves  in  the  greateft  licentioufnefs,  and  banifh  and  plunder 
the  beft  of  citizens;  not  reflecting,  that  it  becomes  the 
prudent  who  are  in  fupreme  powei",  not  to  acquire  them- 
felves  pleafures  from  others  calamities,  but  render  their  citi- 
zens, by  their  own  care  and  follicitude,  more  happy ;  nor 
be  of  a  harfh  and  favage  difpofition  towards  them,  and  nc- 
gle£l  their  own  fafety,  but  prefide  over  others  fo  mildly  and 
gently,  that  no  one  will  dare  to  confpire  againfl  tliem  ;  but 
yet  guard  their  lives  with  as  much  care,  as  If  all  defigned  to 
afTaffinate  them.     For  thofe  who  have  fuel)  conducl",  will 
be  themfelves  out  of  danger,  and  made  glorious  over  all 
Greece  ;  a  greater  gbod  than  which,  it  would  be  a  diffi- 
culty to  have  an  idea  of.     It  came  into  my  mind  while  I 
was  writing,  how  happily  all  events  have  befallen  yoii  j 
for  that  affluence  of  riches,  which  muft  neceflarily  be  got- 
ten tyrannicalFy,  with'  a  "deal  of  odium  and  violence,  has 

been 


i   J 


"J 


I 


.1 

I 


■^, 


J 


/*• 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E  S.       433 

rbcen  left  you  by  your  father  j  but  to  make  a  good  and  hu- 

,niane  ufe  of  them  is  in  your  ovvJi  power  j    concferuing 

which  you  ought  to  take  fingular  care  and  caution.   Which 

I  think  is  of  this  nature  J  j2IJaie..thiiig.4s.lliMSJ.if  you  Jove 

^'^^'^^L^^^  g^^^P^wer^..^nd  thofe  dangers  by  which  they 

are^uired,  you  muAjc^l  in  other  counfellors  jfeut  if  you 

~?^y5  ajrea^  enough  of  the!?; '  butTailfJ-VTSu^^iff^^^^ 

^ndtheteveofthe  peopTe,  then  you  ought  to  bFa'ttSitrve 

governed  their  cit.es  v'^:zr^3-m,a^^^^^^,,  j  hear 

*^S5^>  J!jJliiiiii,fe>  4Hrt>.  virtuousrand  pudent, 
.??4i?.  &Jmiijl5g  any  to  aeatK^or  fcantiKi^  them,"' 
-E2^™nS  t*;".Lg??<^«'.,«'  "^oing  tliem  any  other  prejudice, 
that  he  givesgreatfecurlty  w  his  citizens,'  reftores  thofe 
who  return.tQ  their  poffeffions,  and  pajs  thofe  who  had 
bought  them,  the  full  of  what  they  had  Bveri  foi'^hem'' 
befides,  arms  aU  the  citizens,  as  if  none  couiarpofTibly  have 
any  bad  defigns  againft^hlm  fK^ Baf^  iran;^ared,  jud^-^ 
,iTlg7t  better  fo  die,  wMe  he  ftews  fuch  an  example  of  vir- 
^tue  to  all,  than  live  longer  than  offier  men^by  be^^^^^^^ 
.  thof  of  the  greateft  calamlti^  tSliiJai^r^""        "^ 
'"T'fRH  APS  t  Would  have  dlif^ourfJcI^kh  you  thus,  longer, 
and  more  accurately,  unlefs  I  was  under  a  neceflity  of 
finiflilng  this  letter  in  a  fhort  time  5  but  I  will  C^,d  you  my 
counfel  again,  if  old  age  does  not  pre^-ent  me.     At  pre- 
fcnty  we  will  difcourfe  about  private  affairs ;  for  Autocra- 
for,  who  brings  this,  is  my  friend.     I  have  been  conver- 
fant  with  him  in  the  fame  ftudies,  have  made  ufe  of  his 
rules,  and  have  often  perfuaded  him  fo  undertake  a  voynae 
to  you  i  for  all  which  I  defirc  you  will  treat  him  honou"?- 
ably,  and  as  is  becoming  both ;  and  that  it  may  be  dear, 
I  have  faithfully  difcharged  myfelf  of  a  part  of  what  is  due 
to   him.     Nor  wonder  that  I   fo   readily   write  to  you 
and  yet  never  defired  any  thing  of  Clearchus;  for  almoft 
all  they  who  fail  to  you  fay,  that  you  are  like  the  moft  ex- 
cellent  of  thofe  who  have  converfed  with  me :  but  as  for 

^  ^  Clearchus, 


434        The    E  P  I  S  T  Lis  S 

Qearchus,  all  confefs,  that,  during  the  time  that  he  wm 
with  us  (whoever  knew  him)  he  was  the  moft  liberal,  niild, 
and  humane  of  all,  who  devoted  fhemfelves  to  my  difci- 
pline ;  but,  as  foon  as  he  had  fupreme  power,  that  he  was 
Co  changed  for  the  worfe,  that  all  wondered,  who  had^Miy 
part  of  his  acquaintance.  J  am  therefore  become  eftra^ 
.fi-om  him  on  thefe  accounts ;  but  I  efteem  you,  and  vehe- 
mently defire  your  friendfhip.  You  will  fhortly  fliew  if 
you  are  in  the  like  dlfpofition  ;  for  you  will  pleafe  to  take 
care  of  Autocrator,  and  fend  me  a  letter,  that  you  may  re- 
new  our  ancient  friendfhip  and  hofpitality.  Farewcl ;  and 
if  you  would  have  any  thing  clfe  done  by  me,  let  mc  knoW'i 


E  PI  ST  L  E    VIIL 


1» 


■^'ui 


"*«w^ 


The    Inscriptiok. 

^  Ta  the  Jivagiftracy  of  Mityl5n2:.,  ^ 

THE  ft)DS  of  Apharcus,  and  my  grartdfons,  who  have 
been  inflruaed  in'  mufic  by  Agenor,  defircd  I 
would  fend  a  letter,  to  prevail  with  you,  ^s  you  have  re- 
eled fcveral  exiles,  to  receive  him  again,  his  father,  and 
brothers.  But  tho'  Ifaid  I  fliould  appear  abfurd  and  ridi- 
culous, if  I  aiked  things  of  fuch  moment  from  perfons, 
with  whom  I  never  fpoke,  nor  had  any  VOTninarity,  they, 
upon  hearing  my  reply,  preffed  mc  the  more  eagerly  V  and 
when  they  could  obtain  nothing  of  what  they  hoped,  they 
{hewed  to  us  aU  that  they  were  grieved,  and'bore  my  de- 
nial with  great  uneafmefs.  Perceiving  they  grieved  more 
than  was  convenient,  I  at  length  promif^d-I  wouU  write  a 
letter,  and  knd  it  you :  wherefore,  that  I  may  not  feem 
impertiocnt  and  trgublefome,  I  have  this  for  my  apology. 
.  I  diink  y-:  have  confulted  prudently  to  return  again  into 
^ln^[[^:p  w.inv^r  citizens;  Vn^-- our  to  dimini^^the 


--j^  -   "*-*% 


oiu: 


jaum'Bfir Vf  exilesy^cncreaic^that  or  citizens,  and  lin      _^^^^_ 
irylri  a*{edit\onrior  you  fcew'tSereSyt^and  make  it  ma- 


'» 


I       >tl 


3 
1 


ms 


nifeft 


of    I  S  O  C  R  A  T  E.^S.       435 

aifeft  to  all,  that  you  decreed  their  expulfion,  not  becaufe 
.you  de&ed  their  goods,  but  that  you  were  apprehenfive  for 
the  city:  5ut  tha'  you  had  done  nothing  of  this  nature, 
.not  received  any  of  the  exiles,  1  judge  it  would  be  proper 
yyou  ihould  reftore  thofe  i  for  it  would  be  (hameful  to  you> 
Ltbat  all  fhould  allow  your  city  to  excel  in  the  art  of  mufio 
-ifaflt  thofej  who  have  furpafTed   others  in  it,  were  born 
fift  that  city,  and  that  yet  he,  who  excels  all  artifts  of  this 
» Jdnd  at  prefent,  fhould  be  banifhed  fuch  a  city  j   when 
othe;  Grecians  make  thofe  who  are  eminent  in  any  reputa- 
i>  Ue  ftudies,  tho'  they  be  no-ways  related  to  them,  citizens, 
while  you  fuffer  thofe  to  be  fojourners  amongft  foreigners, 
who  are  moft  famous  amongft  you,  and  of  the  fame  blood. 
And  I  wonder  that  many  cities  more  reward  fuch  who  ex- 
cel in  gymnaftic  games,  than  thofe  who,  by  genius  and 
induftry,  find  out  what  is  conducive  to  real  happinefs ;  nor 
confider,  that  the  qualities  of  ftrength  and  fwiftnefs  are  of 
fuch  a  nature,  that  they  perifii  with  the  body;  but  that  fci- 
cnces  continue,  and  are  in  all  times  a  benefit  to  thofe  who 
ftudy  them ;  which  being  fo,  it  becomes  thofe  who  are  en- 
4ued  with  reafon,  to  efteem  thofe  moft,  whaprefide  with 
juftice  and  virtue  in  their  city,  and  then  thofe  wJio  can 
procure  it  glory  and  fame  by  their  knowledge  -,  for  all  men 
confidering  fuch  as  fpecimens,  judge  the  reft  of  their  fellow- 
citizens  rcfemiblc  them. 

But,   perhaps,  fome  will  fay,  that  it  becomes  thofe 
who  would  obtain  any  thing,  not  only  to  praife  its  but 
fhew,  that  it  is  but  juft  they  fliould  acquire  it.     The  cafe 
is  this:  I  ir^deed  have  abftained  from  public o^^ 
rangues/'BecauYe  it  neither  ha^^  1>old- 

"nefs5  butyej  twas^n^qui^eu^^^^  ^"^  {)^ 

"Ifvirili  be  ev  wTnt  ,t£at  I  was  a  counfellor  and  abetter  to  all  V^ 
thofe  who  woul^d'fpeak  wdlof^^   and  the  oth^ aBia.,;^and _^ 
that  I  have  compoft^^more  ora^         for  the'lfterty  and 
n^at&  of  the  Greeks7than  afl' who  have  afcendeJand'Mm^^ 
worn  opt  thj^ipllS^-  for  which  you  ought  t:o  be  in  the 
iigheft  de^ee  grateful  to  me.   You  defire  particularly  fuch 

F  f  t  a 


436         Thf     EPISTLES 

a  ftate  of  all  Greece ;  for  I  judge,  that  if  Timotheus  an4t 
Conon  were  now  alive,  and  Diophantes  returned  froin'^ 
Afia,    they  would   defire  I   ihould  be   fuccefsfui   in  my 
intentions.     But  it  is  not  neceffary  I  fliouki  (^y  more  on 
thi/topic  ;  for  there  is  no  one  amongft  you  fo  young,  or  ' 
forgetful,  but  he  knows  you  have  received  the  greateft  fa- 
vours from  them  :  wherefore  it  (terns  to  me  you  will  con-*^^ 
full  mod  prudently  about  this  affair,  if  you  confider  who 
he  is  that  entreats  you,  and  for  what  pcrfons  5  for  you  will 
find  me  to  have  been  the  moft  intimate  friend  to  thofe  who 
were  authors  of  the  greateft  good  to  you  and  others ;  and 
that  thofe,  for  whom  I  do  entreat  you,  are  neither  ofFen- 
five  to  their  elders  or  magiftrates,  and  teach  an  ufefal  and 
pleafant  fcience  to  youth,  and  thofe  who  are  of  a  proper 
age  for  it.     Do  not  wonder  if  I  am  fo  eafily  perfuaded  to 
write  a  recommendatory  letter  both  for  others,  and  my 
own  particular  friends  ;  for  I  would  both  gratify  my  grand- ' 
children,  and  make  it  manifefl  to  all,  that  tho'  they  never 
meddle  with  the  government,  but  only  imitate  my  infti- 
tutes,  that  they  will  not  be  worthlefs  citizens.     One  thing 
remains  ;  I  further  defire,  that  if  you  judge  proper  to  do 
any  thing  in  this  kind,  you  will  fignify  to  i^lgenor,  and  his 
brothers,  that  they  obtain,  partly  by  me,  what  they  fo  ve- 
hemently wifh  for. 


i'"» 

V 


> 


of    I  S  O  C  R  AT  E  fc         4^7 

mretch !  you  arc  replete  with  phrenzy,  and  arc  deprived  oF 
the  knowledge  of  your  own  nature.  What !  have  the  fa- 
vours of  fortune  made  you  fo  far  defert  philofophic  contem- 
plations, as  to  caufc  you  to  abandon  that  facred  enthufiaOn? 
Your  condition  was  formerly  illuftrious ;  but  now  it  is  ab- 
jed  and  groveling.  The  mountain  of  fortune  is  high  and 
precipitous ;  wherefore  fly  from  falfe  happinefs,  and  fhun 
fugitive  fortune :  for  thus  you  will  prevent  her  ingratitude, 
and  not  impatiently  bear  a  change* 


^r:«u 


to  •)!£ 


THE    END. 


EPISTLE    IX. 

The    Inscription. 

Ifocrates  to  Dionyfius. 

T70RERUNNERS,  arm-bearers,  heralds,  and  pompous 
*  thrones,  are  the  eclipfe  of  true  philofophy,  and  the 
tvideft  feparation  from  virtue.  You  have  not  chano-ed  with 
fortune  your  nature :  you  have  flill  a  fkin-cloathing;  for 
you  was  made  a  mortal  in  the  beginning.  Why  therefore 
ihould  a  vain-glory  fo  far  pufF  up  a  frail  bladder  ?  Unhappy 

wretch ! 


"9^ 


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>*■ 


BOOKS  htely  puMiJhed  by  T.  Waller; 

in  Fleet-ftreet. 

THE  Orations  of  Cicero,  tmnflatea 
mto  Englijh,  with  Notes  Hiftorical  and 
Critical,  and  Arguments  to  eacht 

By  William  Guthrie,  Efq> 

And  by  the  fame  Hand^. 
DeOratore:  Or,  his  Three  Dialogues 
upon  the  Charafter  and  Qualifications  of  an 
Orator. 

Cicero's  Morals,  containing  his  De  Fint^ 
bus,  or,  concerning  the  Ends  of  Things,  Good 
and  Evil.  In  which  all  the  Principles  of  the 
Epicureans,  Stoics,  and  Academics,  Concerning 
the  ultimate  Point  of  Happinefs  and  Mifery, 
are  folly  difcuffed.  His  Academics,  or  Con- 
ferences concerning  the  Criterion  of  Truth, 
and  the  Fallibility  of  Human  Judgment.  ^ 

Cicero's  Epistles  to  Atticus.  In  2  Vol. 

N.  B.  All  the  remaining  Parts  of  C  i  c  e  RO 
mil  be  tranjlated  by  the  fame  Gentleman^ 
and publifiedfeparatelyy  as  they  arejinijhed. 

As  alfo  by  the  fame  Author^ 

A  New  History  of  England.    In  3  Vols. 

F6lio; 

An  E%  upon  Englijh  Tragedy.  A  Pamphlet. 

Lives 


1  ; 


!'-■     Books  puhUlhed  h  T .  VmXtx: 

Lives  of  the  Admirals,  and  other  Emi- 
nent Britijh  Seamen.  Containing  their  perfo- 
nal  Hiftories,  and  a  Detail  of  all  their  public 
Services.  Including  a  new  and  accurate  Naval 
His  roRv    from  the  earlieft  Account  of  Time 

to  the  Prefent.  The  Second  Edition.  In  4  Vols 
ovo.  ^ 

By  John  Campbell,  Efqj 

The  History  and  Debates  of  the  House 
OF  Lords  and  Commons.     2 1  Vols.  8vo. 

.The  Female  Foundling:    Or,  Virtue 
■Truth,  and  Spirit,  oppofing  every  Difficulty! 
Shewing  the  happy  Succefs  of  Conftant  Love. 
In  2  vols,  i2mo. 

,J^  I^EviL,  torn'd  Hermit:  Or,  the 
Adventures  of  Aftaroth  banifhed  from  Hell. 
A  bauncal  Romance.    In  2  Vols.  i2mo. 


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